This bill amends the Agricultural Protection Area Act in Idaho, introducing several key changes to enhance the management and support of agricultural protection areas. It defines new terms, including "Agricultural protection area fund," which will provide monetary payments to landowners within approved agricultural protection areas. The bill also repeals the previous Section 67-9706 and establishes a new section that outlines the review and action process for agricultural protection area applications, ensuring that decisions are made within a specified timeframe and allowing for appeals to the board of county commissioners.

Additionally, the bill revises provisions regarding the addition and removal of land from agricultural protection areas, clarifying the process and establishing a fee structure for administrative costs. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining agricultural use within designated areas by limiting local regulations that could hinder farming practices. Furthermore, it introduces a new section that allows soil and water conservation districts to create an agricultural protection area fund, which will distribute funds to landowners based on their approved agricultural protection areas. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2025.

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