(1) There is a historic preservation grant program established within the department of commerce. A person, association, or representative of a governing unit seeking a historic preservation grant under this section must submit a grant proposal to the department by March 1 of the year preceding the convening of a regular legislative session.
(2) The department shall review all proposals for historic preservation grants in consultation with the tourism advisory council and the state historical preservation office before they are submitted to the legislature.
(3) Consistent with the rules adopted in accordance with 22-3-1306, the department shall make recommendations to the legislature on each proposal submitted to the department.
(4) The department's recommendations to the legislature are advisory.
(5) The department shall present its recommendations to the appropriations committee of the legislature by the 15th day of a regular legislative session.