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Committee backs bill to expand notice and transparency for state land swaps
Summary
HB 441 would increase statutory notice for state land swaps from seven to 30 days and require published parcel, appraisal and justification details; the subcommittee adopted an amendment for uniform notice and reported the bill favorably 16-0 after broad support from conservation groups and public speakers.
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee voted to report HB 441 favorably after sponsors said the bill would strengthen public notice and transparency around swaps of conservation lands.
Rep. Kendall told the committee the measure was prompted by a contested land-swap application affecting the Guana River Wildlife Management Area and local opposition earlier in the session. The bill would increase the statutory notice period for proposed sales or exchanges of conservation land from seven to 30 days and require publication of which parcels are under consideration, the appraisal, and a statement explaining why the swap benefits the state.
An amendment explained by Rep. Kendall would ensure the 30-day notice applied uniformly to both the Acquisition and Restoration Council and the Board of Trustees; the committee adopted the amendment without recorded opposition.
Several conservation advocates and local residents spoke in support. Hugh Long described public lands as "pillars of the community" and urged the committee to strengthen the bill further; Chris Anderson, other residents and representatives of Conservation Florida and the Sierra Club urged favorable passage.
Members praised the sponsors for acting after the recent threatened swap. Rep. Cross commended the bill as a preventive measure that addresses reactive policymaking.
Clerk Kendall called the roll and the committee approved HB 441 as amended, 16-0. The sponsor and supporters said the change seeks to prevent surprise swaps and to give communities time and information to respond.
The committee did not record any formal opponents in the hearing; the record shows broad organizational support and no solicitations for further study or additional reporting requirements beyond the notice and disclosure items described.
