Bill > H974

This bill aims to protect the natural resources of the Commonwealth by further regulating the disposition or change in use of land that is subject to protection under Article 97 of the state constitution, known as "Article 97 land." The key provisions are: 1. Public owners making a disposition or change in use of Article 97 land must acquire or provide replacement land of equal or greater area, comparable or better natural resource value, and located within the same municipal boundaries if feasible. 2. Public owners must notify the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs before proposing a disposition or change in use of Article 97 land, providing detailed information about the land and any replacement land plan. 3. The Secretary can grant waivers to the replacement land requirement in certain circumstances, such as transfers between state agencies or short-term leases for natural resource purposes. 4. The Secretary must provide recommendations to the legislature on any proposed legislation involving Article 97 land dispositions or changes in use. 5. Municipalities, state agencies, and other public owners must follow specific public notice, hearing, and approval procedures before authorizing a disposition or change in use of Article 97 land. 6. The Secretary must annually report on the protection of Article 97 land in the Commonwealth. The overall goal is to prevent a net loss of Article 97 land, which is dedicated to natural resource conservation and utilization purposes under the state constitution.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H974