Senate Bill 1490 and House Bill 1493 propose amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding local historical boards. The bill introduces a new section that defines key terms such as "crops," "farmer," and "local historical board." It authorizes local historical boards to contract with farmers for farming crops on historical sites with five or more contiguous acres and to harvest hay and other naturally grown products on sites with fewer than five contiguous acres.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all proceeds from these contracts must be used for the preservation of historic sites and structures managed by the local historical boards. It requires these boards to submit an annual report to the Tennessee historical commission detailing the contracts entered into and the use of proceeds. The Tennessee historical commission, with assistance from the department of agriculture, is tasked with developing standard contracts for these agreements. The act will take effect upon becoming law.