Bill > HB456

This bill amends Delaware's Subaqueous Lands Act to provide greater clarity and efficiency in the permitting process for activities on submerged lands and tidelands, which are generally owned by the state. Key changes include defining terms like "linear utility infrastructure projects" and "small residential docking structure," and introducing the concept of "voluntary aquatic habitat restoration projects" to encourage environmental improvements. The bill also mandates that applications for permits, leases, or letters of approval must be submitted by individuals or entities licensed by a newly established Marine Contractors and Consultants Licensing Board, once regulations for this board are in place, and allows for the creation of general permits for certain activities like utility projects, habitat restoration, and minor shoreline stabilization to streamline approvals. Additionally, it modifies requirements for public hearings, clarifies appeal processes for permit denials, allows the Secretary to delegate certain duties, and exempts activities authorized under specific federal permits in private nontidal subaqueous lands, while also clarifying that the state can still regulate and charge fees for such lands.