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Bill > SB462


CA SB462

California Farmland Conservancy Program: conservation easements: funding.


summary

Introduced
02/19/2025
In Committee
04/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act to amend Section 10230 of the Public Resources Code, relating to agricultural land, and making an appropriation therefor.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a new dedicated funding mechanism for agricultural land conservation in California by requiring the Controller to transfer $20 million annually from the General Fund to a newly created California Farmland Conservancy Program Funding Account, starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The bill provides context for this funding by highlighting that California loses 40,000 acres of agricultural land to development each year and recognizes the significant environmental and economic benefits of preserving farmland, including ecosystem protection, wildlife habitat maintenance, carbon sequestration, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The funding is specifically earmarked for agricultural conservation easements, which are legal agreements that permanently limit land development to preserve its agricultural use, and aligns with California's "30x30" goal of conserving 30 percent of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030. The bill emphasizes the importance of supporting local governments in their efforts to preserve agricultural lands and provides a continuous appropriation mechanism to ensure consistent funding for these conservation efforts, with the explicit intention of protecting California's agricultural landscape, environment, food security, and natural resources.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

May 23 hearing: Held in committee and under submission. (on 05/23/2025)

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