Local approval before Department of Transportation may acquire easements for certain road projects requirement provision

This bill requires local governments (cities, counties, or towns) to approve Department of Transportation (DOT) land acquisitions for specific road projects before the DOT can use certain funds. It defines "easement" as land rights for road infrastructure like shoulders, ditches, and culverts, and "local approval" as either a local governing body resolution or a majority vote in a general election. The requirement applies only to projects involving "roadway project elements" (construction, maintenance, or improvements to trunk highway infrastructure), not all road projects. The rule takes effect July 1, 2025, for new easements. This changes the process for acquiring land on state highway projects by adding a local consent step.