The bill amends K.S.A. 58-3811 to establish a requirement for review and approval of proposed conservation easements by city or county planning commissions and governing bodies. It stipulates that each proposed conservation easement must be approved by the appropriate board of county commissioners or city governing body to minimize conflicts with land-use planning. If the proposed easement is outside a city's planning jurisdiction, it must be referred to the county planning commission for review, which is required to hold a public hearing within 60 days. If the planning commission does not act within this timeframe, the easement is automatically deemed approved. Conversely, if the property is within a city's jurisdiction, the city governing body must refer it to the city planning commission, which also has a 60-day window to act.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for denying a proposed conservation easement if it is found to be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan for the area, any conservation programs, or known proposals by governmental bodies regarding land use. The bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 58-3811, indicating a significant update to the legal framework governing conservation easements in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 58-3811
As introduced: 58-3811