HB5293 Summary

• Establishes a conservation plan requirement for applicants seeking authorization to incidentally take endangered or threatened species, including impact descriptions, mitigation measures, alternative actions considered, and scientific data assuring species survival.

• Requires the Department to make written findings that all conservation plan requirements are met before authorizing incidental taking, including minimization and mitigation of impacts and adequate funding.

• Eliminates the requirement for a state permit when applicants have federal conservation agreements (candidate conservation agreements, habitat conservation plans, or safe harbor agreements) approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.

• Adds two landowner representatives from the State's largest general farm organization to the Endangered Species Protection Board composition (bringing total appointed members to 9).

• Removes the "without notice or public hearing" provision for automatically listing species designated as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, requiring public hearings for all listing, delisting, or status change decisions.