ID S1174

Appropriates $86,205,900 to the Department of Lands for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) across six programs: Business Services, Forest Resources Management, Trust Land Management, Forest and Range Fire Protection, Scaling Practices, and Minerals/Public Trust/Oil and Gas.

Authorizes the Department of Lands to maintain no more than 355.27 full-time equivalent positions during the 2024 fiscal year, with any increases requiring Governor authorization and notification to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

Exempts Forest and Range Fire Protection Program appropriations from object transfer limitations, allowing unlimited transfers between expense classes for the 2024 fiscal year.

Appropriates $1,250,000 from the General Fund for FY 2023 for seasonal housing (acquisition and refurbishment of a property in Maggie Creek Supervisory Area) and $750,000 for fire prevention equipment, both to be reverted by end of FY 2024 if unspent.

Requires the Department of Lands to report by January 8, 2024, on the use and effectiveness of phosphate-based fire retardants in preventing wildfires during the 2023 fire season to specified legislative committees.