The bill amends section 36206 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to enhance the management and enforcement of agricultural conservation easements. It stipulates that the Department of Natural Resources must approve agricultural conservation easements before grants are distributed to local governments. The bill outlines criteria for reviewing permitted uses within these easements, ensuring they do not adversely affect farmland productivity or alter existing land conditions negatively. Additionally, it allows local governments to purchase easements through installment agreements and provides a framework for joint or sole holding of these easements, including the delegation of enforcement authority to local units.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that grants the state a third-party right of enforcement for agricultural conservation easements, allowing it to inspect and enforce terms if the primary easement holder fails to do so. It also allows for the transfer of easements to property owners with mutual agreement from the state and local government. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of several other specified bills from the 103rd Legislature.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.36206
As Passed by the Senate: 324.36206
As Passed by the House: 324.36206
Senate Enrolled Bill: 324.36206