AB 61

This bill expands the purposes for which proceeds from the sale of state-owned

property controlled by the Department of Natural Resources may be spent.

Under current law, with limited exceptions, the Natural Resources Board may

sell state-owned lands and structures under DNR jurisdiction when the board

determines that those properties are no longer necessary for state conservation

purposes. Upon selling such properties, the board must deposit the proceeds in the

conservation fund, and the proceeds may be used only to purchase other areas of land

for use as public hunting and fishing grounds, wildlife and fish refuges, or state parks

or for inclusion in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.

Under the bill, the proceeds from the sale of DNR properties may be used to

acquire or develop any land or easement, with no restrictions or limitations on use

or location. The bill prohibits the board from using the proceeds to pay program

administration costs or fund full-time equivalent positions.