HB 25-1332: State Trust Lands Conservation & Recreation Work Group

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The state board of land commissioners (state board) serves as the trustee for lands granted to the state in public trust for the support of public schools (state trust lands). The state board is responsible for the management and protection of the state trust lands, including by protecting and enhancing the natural features, open space, and wildlife habitat of the state trust lands. The act requires various appointing authorities to appoint members to a state trust lands conservation and recreation work group (work group) to study opportunities to advance conservation and recreation activities on state trust lands as part of the state board's long-term stewardship of the state trust lands while maintaining the state board's fiduciary responsibilities regarding its management of the state trust lands. On or before September 1, 2026, the work group is required to make recommendations to the state board, the governor, the committees of the general assembly with jurisdiction over natural resources matters, and the executive director of the department of natural resources (department) based on the study. On or before February 15, 2027, the state board must take into consideration the work group's recommendations and adopt an administrative policy or rules to establish: A process governing the implementation of conservation leases and related instruments on state trust lands; A process to substantiate how the state board balances revenue generation with conserving the long-term value of state trust lands; A schedule to review and update by December 2028, if necessary, all existing stewardship trust management plans or other applicable plans; and Any other policies or rules the state board deems necessary to implement section 10 of article IX of the state constitution. For the 2025-26 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $393,506 from the state land board trust administration fund to the department for use by the state board. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 24

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 13, 2025Governor Signed
2. May 12, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 12, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 12, 2025Sent to the Governor
5. May 7, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. May 6, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. May 6, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
8. May 5, 2025Senate Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
9. May 2, 2025Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. May 2, 2025Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
11. May 1, 2025Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Amended to Appropriations
12. April 30, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history