The bill amends the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program by updating definitions and criteria related to agricultural conservation easements. Specifically, it redefines "agricultural conservation easement" to emphasize the maintenance of the land's agricultural use potential while also allowing for additional conservation purposes such as protecting water quality, wildlife habitats, and open-space land. The council's responsibilities are expanded to include ensuring that purchased easements align with the preservation of open space, agricultural use potential, and wildlife habitat conservation.

Furthermore, the bill prioritizes grant applications that protect and maintain the agricultural use potential of lands at risk of development. It introduces a scoring process for evaluating applications that considers various factors, including the land's agricultural productivity and the potential for leveraging additional funding. The bill also specifies that the council may approve the termination of easements and outlines the criteria for awarding grants, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the conservation program. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 84.002, Parks and Wildlife Code 84.009, Parks and Wildlife Code 84.010 (Parks and Wildlife Code 84)