Bill > AB543

This bill revises the regulations surrounding the leasing of state-owned real property and the sale of agricultural products produced on such property, specifically empowering the Administrator of the Division of State Parks to lease grazing and pasturage rights and sell agricultural products from state lands assigned to their division. The bill requires that any money collected from these leases or sales be deposited into the Account for Maintenance of State Parks, with funds earmarked to be used specifically in the area or region where they were collected. The Administrator must generally advertise for bids when leasing rights or selling products, but may negotiate directly under certain circumstances, such as when the highest bid is deemed insufficient. The bill also includes important restrictions, such as prohibiting leases or sales that would interfere with the scenic, recreational, scientific, or historical significance of the property. Additionally, the legislation modifies existing laws to clarify that this new authority for the Division of State Parks is an exception to the previous leasing authorities of the Division of State Lands, and updates related statutory references to reflect these changes.