H97 - 2015 Appropriations Act, Sec. 14.10A: Simplify Oyster Restoration Project Permitting (SL 2015-241)

Overview: Sec. 14.10A of S.L. 2015-241, as amended by Sec. 5.2B of S.L. 2015-268, requires the Marine Fisheries Commission to amend its rules governing Scientific or Educational Activity Permits to allow the Permits to be issued to nongovernmental conservation organizations as well as scientific or educational institutions. The provision also directs the Divisions of Marine Fisheries and Coastal Management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to create, with input from nongovernmental organizations involved in oyster restoration, a new permitting process for oyster restoration projects to replace the major development permit under the Coastal Area Management Act currently required for such projects. The Department must report on the new process, including proposed legislation, by May 1, 2016.

This section became effective September 18, 2015.