Bill > H0233

This bill amends the Agricultural Protection Area Act to provide more clarity and flexibility for establishing and maintaining agricultural protection areas in Idaho counties. The bill defines a new term "agricultural protection area fund" and modifies existing provisions to streamline the process for creating and managing these areas. Key changes include removing a previous January 1, 2025 deadline for establishing agricultural protection area ordinances, allowing agricultural protection areas inside or outside city impact areas, and prohibiting non-agricultural land uses within these areas unless they contribute to agricultural production. The bill also establishes a new requirement for counties to create an agricultural protection area fund by January 1, 2026, which can accept voluntary contributions and must distribute at least 95% of the funds to landowners with approved agricultural protection areas on a per-acre basis, with up to 5% reserved for administrative costs and promoting agriculture. Additionally, the bill simplifies the application and review process for creating and modifying agricultural protection areas, making it easier for landowners to participate while maintaining protections for agricultural land use.

Government Affairs

Ways and Means Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0233/