Relating to: surplus property held by the Department of Transportation. (FE)

AB 983 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to notify local governments, school districts, and tribes before selling surplus land, giving them 60 days to express interest in acquiring it for public use. If they respond, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value for general public use, or at a reduced price if the land is needed for transportation or infrastructure projects. The bill also mandates that buyers provide a plan for the public use and agree to permanent restrictions ensuring the land remains for that purpose. This change affects counties, municipalities, school districts, and federally recognized tribes that may seek to acquire DOT surplus land. The policy directly alters the DOT's land sale process to prioritize public ownership over general public sales.