SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1430
As of March 16, 2021
Title: An act relating to the duration of state upland leases for lands managed by the department of natural resources.
Brief Description: Concerning the duration of state upland leases for lands managed by the department of natural resources.
Sponsors: Representatives Kloba and Klicker; by request of Department of Natural Resources.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/26/21, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 3/18/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the maximum length of a commercial, industrial, business, or recreational lease of land managed by the Department of Natural Resources from 55 years to 99 years. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages a number of different categories of land, each for a specific purpose and under different management requirements.  These include approximately 3 million acres of federally-granted lands and state forest lands, which DNR manages to support common schools, counties, and other public institutions.


DNR has the authority to lease state lands for commercial, industrial, residential, agricultural, and recreational uses in order to obtain a fair-market rental return to the state or appropriate trust.

 

DNR generally may not lease state lands for longer than ten years, although longer leases are specifically authorized in multiple instances.  Lands leased for agricultural purposes may not exceed 25 years, except leases for tree fruit or grape production, which may be for up to 55 years.  Share crop leases may not exceed ten years.  Leases for commercial, industrial, business, or recreational purposes may also be for up to 55 years.
Summary of Bill:

The maximum length of a lease of land managed by DNR where the purpose of the lease is for commercial, industrial, business, or recreational purposes, is changed from 55 years to 99 years.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.