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Bill Summary · SJ 14

Summary — SJ 14: "Resolution to release federal wilderness study areas"

Status: (S) Died in Process
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Classification: Joint resolution
Primary sponsor: Tony Tezak
Subject areas: Environmental protection; federal government; general joint resolution

Purpose and intent

SJ 14, titled "Resolution to release federal wilderness study areas," is a joint resolution introduced in the 2025 legislative session. The bill’s title indicates its intent is to seek the release (removal) of one or more federal wilderness study area (WSA) designations. Because no bill text is provided in the available record, the precise legal mechanism, the specific WSAs targeted (if any), and whether the resolution would be binding or purely advisory cannot be confirmed from the public docket alone.

Typical objectives of resolutions of this type are to:
- Request or urge the federal government (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, or Congress) to remove WSA designations;
- Express the state’s policy position supporting multiple-use management or development of certain federal lands rather than continued wilderness study status.

Key provisions (based on available record)

  • No complete bill text is available in the provided documents. The bill underwent committee drafting and a joint favorable substitute was filed (3/27/2025), but the actual language is not included in the materials provided.
  • As introduced and acted upon, SJ 14 functioned as a resolution rather than a statute; such resolutions are typically nonbinding expressions of state opinion or requests to the federal government unless they include specific statutory delegations (no evidence of that here).

Who would be affected

If enacted (or if its aims were carried out by the federal government), affected parties could include:
- Federal land managers (BLM, Forest Service) and federal policy-makers (Congress);
- Local governments and state agencies with interests in land use and economic development;
- Private users and industries (mining, energy, grazing, timber) seeking access to lands currently under WSA designation;
- Conservation organizations, recreation users, and tribes that value wilderness protections.

Because the resolution did not become law, no immediate legal effects occurred.

Legislative and procedural history (selected)

  • 2025-01-17: Referred to Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections (introduced)
  • 2025-02-14: Vote to draft
  • 2025-03-12 and 2025-04-01: Committee hearings (Energy, Technology & Federal Relations)
  • 2025-03-27: Joint Favorable Substitute; filed with LCO
  • 2025-04-14: Favorable report, tabled for calendar; Senate Calendar No. 353; File No. 659
  • 2025-04-07: Referred to OLR & OFA for research
  • 2025-04-07: Missed deadline for revenue bill transmittal (procedural note)
  • 2025-05-23: (S) Died in Process

Related bill: LC 2187 (listed as replaced by SJ 14)

Practical implications and next steps

  • Because no bill text is available here, readers should obtain the LCO file/legislative text (LC 2187 / the joint favorable substitute filed 3/27/2025) to determine specific language and targets.
  • If the resolution is reintroduced, stakeholders likely to engage include state and local governments, federal land managers, industry groups, conservation organizations, and tribal governments.
  • The resolution’s practical effect would depend on whether it merely expresses the legislature’s view or directs state action and on any responsive action by federal authorities or Congress.

If you would like, I can: (1) try to locate the substituted bill text (LC 2187) or the joint favorable substitute filed 3/27/2025; (2) prepare an impact brief for specific stakeholder groups; or (3) draft suggested legislative language for a clearer, binding state position.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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