Bill > H1075

This bill establishes "protection zones" for springs, allowing the commission to implement rules restricting vessel speed and operation to prevent harm to springs, including impacts on water quality, quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and aquatic species, with consultation required from relevant state and federal agencies, and imposes penalties for violations. It also revises provisions related to the acquisition, sale, lease, and use of state-owned lands, including modifying requirements for appraisals, waiving certain acquisition procedures under specific conditions, and authorizing alternatives to fee simple acquisitions like conservation easements. Additionally, the bill makes numerous technical amendments and repeals sections of existing law to streamline and clarify processes for land management, acquisition, and disposal, and appropriates funds for the 2016-2017 fiscal year to the Department of Environmental Protection for implementing these changes.