Requiring the department of management to conduct a study regarding the merger of the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship, and including effective date provisions

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2026
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 4, 2026
Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
Next: Passes the House
Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary The Department of Management must study whether the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship should merge into one agency. This study will look at how their programs overlap and how they might work together. A report with recommendations must be given to the governor and the legislature by the end of 2026.¹

Read the official explanation

This bill requires the department of management (DOM) to conduct a study regarding the possible merger of the department of natural resources and the department of agriculture and land stewardship. DOM must consider the departments’ overlapping missions and programs, the impact of such merger, and the best methods to integrate the two departments. DOM must submit a report regarding its findings and recommendations to the governor and general assembly not later than December 31, 2026. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

Full bill text²

House subcommittee

Named February 4, 2026. On February 12, 2026 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 12, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site

Lobbying

1 for · 8 against · 11 undecided · Who →