Interim study on public land access

2025 Regular Session

Authorize an interim study to assess public land access and recreation, identify barriers, gather stakeholder input, and report findings to the Legislature.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

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LC 818 — Interim study on public land access

Overview

LC 818 is a bill introduced on November 4, 2024, titled “Interim study on public land access.” The bill is categorized under Legislature, Interim Studies, Recreation/Parks/Sports, and State Lands. Its primary focus would be to authorize or direct an interim study regarding access to public lands.

Purpose and intent

The central aim of the bill would be to examine how the public can access state lands and related recreation areas.

The intended outcome of such an interim study typically includes identifying barriers to access, evaluating current policies and practices, and exploring opportunities to improve public access while balancing land management needs.

Key provisions (high-level)

Authorization for an interim study conducted by a designated legislative body or committee (or assigned staff) during an interim period.

Establishment of the scope of the study, including topics related to access to public lands, recreation use, and potential policy changes.

Requirements for reporting findings and recommendations to the Legislature by a specified date.

Provisions for stakeholder input, data collection, and consultation with relevant state agencies or land managers (typical for interim studies, though specific language is not provided here).

Note: The exact statutory language, scope details, and reporting deadlines are not provided in the available summary. The description above reflects common elements typically found in interim-study bills of this nature.

Affected parties

Public land users and outdoor recreation stakeholders (e.g., hikers, hunters, anglers, campers, off-road enthusiasts).

State and local land management agencies and departments responsible for public lands and recreational facilities.

Communities and organizations engaged in land access advocacy, conservation, and land use policy.

Status, timeline, and procedural notes

Introduced: November 4, 2024.

2024-11-04 actions: Drafter Assigned; Draft On Hold.

2025-05-22 action: (LC) Draft Died in Process.

Current status: The bill died in the process, meaning it did not advance to enactment and did not become law.

Implication of status: No immediate policy changes or mandated interim study requirements would take effect unless a similar measure is reintroduced and enacted in a future session.

Potential impact

As a died-in-process measure, LC 818 would not create new duties or policies. If revived in a future session, it could direct a formal study to inform legislative decisions on improving access to public lands, potentially shaping future legislation, funding considerations, or administrative reforms.

Additional notes

For readers seeking more detail, the exact legislative language would clarify the study’s scope, duration, reporting requirements, and any budget or staffing implications.

Future proponents may refile a similar measure; monitoring subsequent interim-study bills could provide insight into ongoing policy attention to public land access.