H.F. No. 3822 Summary

• Commissioner of Natural Resources must notify shoreline landowners at least 60 days before issuing permits for chemical control of aquatic plants, including invasive species.

• Commissioner may waive the dated signature approval requirement for invasive aquatic plant management permits if obtaining signatures creates undue burden or if control is necessary to protect natural resources.

• When signature requirement is waived, the commissioner must provide alternate notification through news releases, public notices in local newspapers, public meetings, or mailings to affected landowners, with annual notification and 60-day advance notice for chemical treatment.

• Dated signatures of approval for invasive aquatic plant management permits may remain valid for three years if property ownership does not change.

• Landowners notified of a chemical control permit may petition the commissioner within 30 days to require alternative control methods; the commissioner must hold a public hearing within 30 days and consider alternative methods and public comments before issuing or renewing the permit.