Bill > S2142

This bill allows the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), a state agency responsible for environmental protection, to use eminent domain, which is the government's power to take private property for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell, provided just compensation is paid. Specifically, the DEM can acquire established foot paths that offer the public reasonable access to the state's streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds for purposes like environmental stewardship and recreation. However, the DEM must be mindful of agricultural land and cannot acquire any interest in such land if it would significantly disrupt its primary farming use, and the department may permit local groups to maintain these foot paths. This act will become law immediately upon being passed.

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