HB1103: Department of natural resources.

Legislative Summary

Department of natural resources. Repeals code provisions regarding commercial fishing on Lake Michigan. Removes the requirement that the director of the department of natural resources (department) send, to a person who has a license that is placed on probationary status, notice that includes a description of the amount of child support in arrears and an explanation of the procedures to pay child support arrearage. Repeals the mussels license issued by the department. Provides that a law enforcement officer or an employee of the department is not liable for the destruction of a permitted animal that escapes an enclosure and poses a threat to public safety. Provides instances when a construction permit for a floodway is not required to remove a logjam or mass of wood debris that has accumulated in a river or stream. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2022, the director of the department shall not exercise authority to remove or eliminate an abode or residence from a floodway if the abode or residence was constructed before January 1, 2022. (Current law provides that the director of the department shall not exercise the authority if the residence or abode was constructed before January 1, 2020.) Provides that before July 1, 2023, the department shall adopt a license for the removal of trees; channel maintenance; and bank reconstruction, repair, and stabilization in a floodway. Provides that a local floodplain administrator shall utilize the best floodplain mapping data available as provided by the department and located on the Indiana Floodplain Information Portal when reviewing a permit application for a structure or a construction activity in, or near, a floodplain. Provides that a contract to purchase timber must be in writing. Allows the collection of damages for costs associated with a claim or action, including attorney's fees, or damages specified in a contract with a timber buyer or a person who cuts timber but is not a timber buyer. Requires a timber buyer to keep complete and accurate records for at least five years after a transaction. Allows the director of the department to suspend a timber buyer's license for not more than 90 days before a final adjudication if the director of the department finds that the holder of the timber buyer's license poses a clear and immediate danger to public health, safety, or property if allowed to continue to operate. Provides that the director of the department may renew the suspension for periods of not more than 90 days. Makes technical and conforming changes.