Bill > SB0687

This bill amends existing law to allow local units of government, such as cities or townships, to hold agricultural conservation easements, which are legal agreements that restrict development on farmland to preserve it for agricultural use. Previously, these easements were primarily held by the state. The bill clarifies that while the state can delegate enforcement of these easements to local governments, the state retains a third-party right of enforcement, meaning it can step in if the local government fails to uphold the easement's terms. It also allows for the transfer of these easements under certain conditions and notes that existing tax credits for landowners with agricultural conservation easements remain in place. This change is part of a larger package of bills related to land use and agricultural preservation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0687