The bill under consideration, identified as Substitute Senate Bill No. 193 with File No. 246, proposes a new requirement for the eviction of farmers operating on state-owned property. Specifically, the bill mandates that any lease agreement renewed or entered into after the bill's effective date between the Commissioner of Agriculture or the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and a farmer for the lease of state property for agricultural purposes must include a provision that eviction of the farmer is not permitted without approval by a vote of both chambers of the General Assembly. This provision is a new insertion into the current law and is effective immediately upon passage.

The fiscal impact statement attached to the bill indicates that there is no fiscal impact on the state or municipal governments as a result of this legislation. The bill analysis clarifies that the requirement for legislative approval applies to any new or renewed leases with farmers for state land intended for agricultural use. The bill's effective date is upon passage, and it was reported favorably by the Environment Committee with a vote of 26 in favor and 8 against on March 20, 2024.