House committee adopts substitute for bill to clarify easements, but members press for limits on new projects

Co‑chair Donna Meares opened the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee on May 7 and said the panel would consider a committee substitute for House Bill 220, which addresses easements and rights of way on state park land. Representative Kevin McCabe (House District 30), the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure is intended to reduce delays and uncertainty for utilities and private inholders that need access across parklands.

"HB 220 tackles these problems head on by establishing clear rules, greater certainty, and stronger accountability," McCabe said, adding the bill directs the Department of Natural Resources to issue an easement "once all statutory requirements are satisfied within a reasonable deadline." He said two parks — Nancy Lake and Kachemak Bay — face aging underwater and other infrastructure that needs replacement and that some 40 to 50 homes around Nancy Lake rely on a 40‑plus‑year old underwater power cable.

Committee staff Elsheba Almeida summarized changes in the committee substitute (version h). She said the CS narrows the bill to state park units only; adds legislative intent and findings that…