This bill amends the Agricultural Area Security Law to enhance the criteria for purchasing agricultural conservation easements. Key changes include the requirement that farmland tracts must generally be at least 50 acres in size, with exceptions for tracts of at least ten acres that are either utilized for a unique crop or contiguous to properties with existing perpetual conservation easements. Additionally, counties may set a minimum size of 35 acres for tracts under certain conditions. The bill introduces new provisions allowing tracts smaller than ten acres to be considered for easement purchase if they are merged with a contiguous tract already under easement, with specific recording requirements for deeds of merger.

Furthermore, the bill outlines conditions under which land subject to an agricultural conservation easement can be subdivided, particularly emphasizing that any newly created tract must be less than ten acres and contiguous to the original easement property. It also stipulates that such subdivisions will not incur roll-back taxes and cannot be used for residential purposes. These amendments aim to streamline the process of conserving agricultural land while ensuring that smaller tracts can still be integrated into larger conservation efforts. The act will take effect 30 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1893 (Jun 10, 2025): P.L.128, No.43