HF2603 Summary

• Requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to provide public notice 30-60 days before purchasing real property in fee with public money, published in newspapers of general circulation, the State Register, and the department website.

• Mandates a public hearing in the county where the property is located (or adjacent county if unavailable) where interested persons may present testimony and ask questions, with proceedings recorded and posted online.

• Requires written responses to all comments and questions raised at the public hearing or submitted in writing, to be provided within 30 days of the hearing.

• Applies identical notice and hearing requirements to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for fee simple property purchases, excluding easement acquisitions.

• Effective July 1, 2016, applying to purchases funded by appropriations enacted on or after that date.