Bill > H0473

This bill adds a new chapter to Idaho law to create "agricultural protection areas". The key provisions are: 1. The bill allows landowners with at least 5 acres of land used for agriculture or forestry for the past 3 years to voluntarily apply to have their land designated as an agricultural protection area for a minimum of 20 years. 2. The bill requires counties and municipalities to establish an "agricultural protection area commission" to review and make recommendations on these applications to the governing body, which will make the final decision within 120 days. 3. The bill places limitations on local regulations, prohibiting restrictions on farm structures or practices unless they violate generally recognized farming practices, and prevents changes to the agricultural land use designation without the landowner's written permission. 4. The bill provides protections against nuisance lawsuits and eminent domain for land within these designated agricultural protection areas, as long as the agricultural activities follow generally recognized farming practices. The bill aims to promote the preservation of agricultural land and activities in Idaho by providing a voluntary designation process and legal protections for participating landowners.

Government Affairs

Agricultural Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/H0473/