This bill amends K.S.A. 58-3811 to establish new requirements for the creation and approval of conservation easements in Kansas. It mandates that proposed conservation easements must be reviewed by the appropriate city or county planning commissions and approved by the governing body of the respective city or county. The bill specifies that if a proposed easement is located outside a city's planning jurisdiction, it must be referred to the county planning commission for review, which must hold a public hearing within 60 days. If the planning commission does not act within that 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 public interest, the comprehensive plan for the area, or any existing conservation programs or proposals by governmental bodies. The bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 58-3811, thereby updating the legal framework governing conservation easements in the state.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 58-3811