HB 1628 Summary

• Appropriates $15,732,212.00 from the State General Fund and $13,600,367.00 from special funds to the State Forestry Commission for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024).

• Authorizes 343 permanent positions and 7 time-limited positions within the Forestry Commission with restrictions on salary escalations and fund transfers without Department of Finance and Administration approval.

• Creates two revolving funds: the Forest Improvement Revolving Fund ($250,000) for reforestation work and the Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Conversion Revolving Fund (capped at $50,000) for wildfire suppression equipment conversion.

• Creates the Camden State Forest Revolving Fund to manage forest activities in Madison County, funded by timber sales, leases, and other income sources with excess funds carried forward annually.

• Transfers $200,000 from special funds to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce for the Beaver Control or Eradication Program during fiscal year 2024.

• Establishes performance targets including 1-hour average fire suppression time, 17,750 acres under prescribed burn program, 35,000 acres regenerated or improved, and 20% re-inventory of state forest lands.