SF0040

Establishes a process for designating state lands as having significant community value and requires the Board of Land Commissioners to individually consider such designations when evaluating changes in land use.

• Authorizes county boards of commissioners to apply to the Environmental Quality Council for designation of state land parcels as having significant community value based on historical, archaeological, wildlife, surface geological, or botanical features. (W.S. 35-11-112(a)(vii)(A), W.S. 35-11-112(a)(vii)(B))
• Requires the Environmental Quality Council to hold a public hearing and accept comments on applications for significant community value designations. (W.S. 35-11-112(a)(vii)(C))
• Allows the Environmental Quality Council to approve designations of significant community value if it finds the parcel warrants consideration by the Board of Land Commissioners when evaluating proposed changes in use. (W.S. 35-11-112(a)(vii)(D))
• Requires the Environmental Quality Council to send approved designations and findings to the Board of Land Commissioners and the Director of the Office of State Lands and Investments within five days of approval. (W.S. 35-11-112(a)(vii)(E))
• Requires the Board of Land Commissioners to individually consider any proposed change in use for lands designated as having significant community value rather than using a consent agenda, and to give consideration to the council's findings. (W.S. 36-2-101(b))
• Defines 'change in use' to include any change of use, new lease, lease renewal, or disposition of a designated parcel. (W.S. 36-2-101(b))
• Directs the Board of Land Commissioners to promulgate rules necessary to implement the act. (Sec. 2(a))
• Directs the Environmental Quality Council, upon recommendation from the Department of Environmental Quality, to promulgate rules necessary to implement the act. (Sec. 2(b))

Effective: July 1, 2026

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