1. (1) The division may not acquire title to real property held in private ownership without first:

   1. (a) publishing a notice of the proposed acquisition on:

      1. (i) the division's public website; and
      2. (ii) a public legal notice website in accordance with Section 45-1-101; and
   2. (b) obtaining the approval of the governor.
2. (2) Subsection (1) applies whether title to real property held in private ownership is acquired through a purchase, donation, or other means.
3. (3) In the case of a proposed purchase of private property, the division may publish notice after earnest money is paid.

4. (4) The published notice shall inform the public regarding:

   1. (a) the proposed use of the real property;
   2. (b) any conditions on the acquisition of the real property placed by donors, the federal government, sellers, or others specifying how the real property is to be used;
   3. (c) any changes to existing land uses that are anticipated; and
   4. (d) the public comment submission process for comments on the proposed acquisition.

5. (5) The governor shall:

   1. (a) submit a notification of the proposed acquisition to:

      1. (i) the county executive of the county in which the real property is located;
      2. (ii) the legislators of the legislative districts in which the real property is located; and
      3. (iii) the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration; and
   2. (b) invite those notified to submit comments on the proposed acquisition.

6. (6) After considering comments on the proposed acquisition, the governor may:

   1. (a) approve the acquisition in whole or in part; or
   2. (b) disapprove the acquisition.

Amended by Chapter 400, 2026 General Session