ND SB2102

Changes the commissioner of university and school lands term start date from following the general election of board members to following the general election of the governor, maintaining the four-year term ending June 30.

Modifies the commissioner's duty regarding legislative bills for state land sales or exchanges from issuing a mandatory "opinion" to providing a discretionary "assessment" regarding highest and best use of the land.

Updates the definition and evaluation criteria for "highest and best use" to include consideration of soils capability, vegetation, wildlife use, mineral characteristics, public use, recreational use, commercial or industrial use, aesthetic values, cultural values, surrounding land use, proximity to urban areas, and other relevant resource, zoning, or planning information.

Changes the requirement that the commissioner "shall issue" a written opinion to "may provide" a written assessment to the standing committee initially reviewing the proposed land sale or exchange bill.

Passed the Senate 45-0 with 2 absences and the House 79-12 with 3 absences.