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 specifies that a conservation easement can only be created by the record owner of the land and outlines the procedures for its creation, conveyance, and modification. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision that mandates each proposed conservation easement to be approved by the appropriate 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 must hold a public hearing within 60 days. If the planning commission does not act within this timeframe, the easement is deemed approved.

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 for land use by governmental bodies. The existing section of K.S.A. 58-3811 is repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 58-3811