Present law creates the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality and provides for their ability to operate independently as executive branch departments.

Proposed law combines the functions of both departments and creates the Department of Environmental Quality, office of natural resources.

Proposed law creates the Department of Housing as an executive branch department and provides for its functions and administration.

Proposed law repeals present law creating the Department of Elderly Affairs contingent upon the abolition of one or more of the existing 20 departments of the executive branch or constitutional authorization for an additional department.

Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.