Bill > HB1059

This bill amends the Agricultural Area Security Law to modify the rules for purchasing agricultural conservation easements (ACEs), which are legal agreements that permanently limit land development to preserve farmland. The bill changes how the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund can be used, establishing that land trusts can now be reimbursed for purchasing agricultural conservation easements under specific conditions. Key provisions include: limiting reimbursement to $2,500 per acre or 50% of the appraised value (whichever is less), requiring easements to be at least 10 acres with 50% or 10 acres of cropland or pasture, mandating that land trusts provide matching funds for easement purchases, and requiring easements to be perpetual. The bill also specifies that by March 1 each year, the State board must allocate funds for reimbursing nonprofit entities that purchase agricultural conservation easements, with specific allocations for easement purchases and transaction expenses. Additionally, the bill establishes that if a land trust ceases to exist, any reimbursed agricultural conservation easements must be transferred to the county where they were recorded or to another eligible nonprofit entity. These changes aim to support farmland preservation efforts by providing clearer guidelines and financial support for land trusts participating in conservation programs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1059