MO HB1201

Transfers permit decision-making authority from the Land Reclamation Commission to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, with appeals to the Administrative Hearing Commission.

Requires the director to make a permit decision within six weeks after completion of the public notice process, rather than making a recommendation to the commission.

Establishes that the director may impose reasonable conditions on permits consistent with surface mining regulations.

Adds requirements for permit applicants to notify property owners within one-half mile of the proposed mine area and those with adjacent legal relationships, and allows applicants to be responsible for public meeting expenses if requested.

Changes the appeal process so the Administrative Hearing Commission reviews appeals and makes recommendations to the commission, which then issues the final decision subject to judicial review in the appropriate court of appeals district.