Senate Bill 1243 Summary

• Creates a new state grazing permit system allowing current state grazing lessees to convert their leases into permits for land acquired by the state from the federal government on or after January 1, 2019.

• Permits are valid for a minimum of 10 years, subject to the same terms and conditions as state grazing leases including annual payment requirements, and automatically renew if the permittee complies with permit conditions.

• Department of Lands must determine permit qualification within 45 days of application and notify applicants if the land does not qualify.

• Permits become appurtenances to the base property; if a permittee violates permit conditions, the Department recommends cancellation to the State Board of Land Commissioners, with the permittee entitled to judicial review before cancellation becomes final.

• Establishes legislative intent that lands acquired from the federal government through exchanges after statehood are not subject to constitutional requirements for public auction disposal and that preexisting grazing rights must be preserved.

• Effective July 1, 2024.