HB 614 Summary

• Creates Chapter 17 of Title 38 establishing the "Sustainable Management of National Forests Act" to promote sustainable management of Idaho's national forests through state-federal collaboration and good neighbor authority agreements.

• Authorizes Idaho Department of Lands to support forest restoration, reduce hazardous fuels, treat insect-infested trees, and conduct watershed health activities on federal lands through good neighbor authority agreements under 16 U.S.C. 2113a.

• Grants Department of Lands authority to represent state interests in federal forest management planning, intervene in litigation on federal forest projects, and assist local governments in establishing cooperative agency status with federal agencies.

• Creates the Good Neighbor Authority Fund in state treasury to receive state proceeds, grants, gifts, reimbursements, and federal moneys for good neighbor authority purposes, with continuous appropriation to the Department of Lands for implementation.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2024, with an emergency declaration.