This bill amends the Agricultural Protection Area Act in Idaho, primarily revising the procedures and requirements for establishing and managing agricultural protection areas. It mandates that each board of county commissioners create an agricultural protection area ordinance that includes processes for placing agricultural lands in these areas for a minimum of twenty years, application requirements, evaluation standards, and a timeline for decision-making. The bill also introduces a new section that outlines the review and action process for agricultural protection area applications, specifying that decisions must be made within sixty days and allowing for appeals to the board of county commissioners.

Additionally, the bill repeals the previous section regarding review and action on agricultural protection area applications and makes several amendments to existing sections. Notably, it clarifies that agricultural protection areas cannot be changed to another land use designation unless certain conditions are met, and it establishes limitations on local regulations that could restrict agricultural practices within these areas. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining agricultural viability and outlines the administrative fees associated with processing applications and changes to agricultural protection areas. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-9703, 67-9704, 67-9706, 67-9709, 67-9710
Engrossment 1: 67-9704, 67-9706, 67-9709, 67-9710