Bill > HB1493

This bill allows local historical boards, which are governmental or nonprofit entities dedicated to preserving historic sites and structures and often receive support from the Tennessee Historical Commission, to lease land they own or manage for agricultural purposes. Specifically, these boards can enter into contracts with farmers to cultivate crops on historical sites of five or more contiguous acres, or to harvest hay and other naturally grown soil products on sites with fewer than five contiguous acres. All money earned from these agricultural leases must be used by the boards to preserve the historic sites and structures under their care, following state and federal guidelines. Additionally, these boards are required to submit an annual report to the Tennessee Historical Commission detailing these contracts and how the proceeds were utilized. The Tennessee Historical Commission will also develop standard contract templates for local historical boards to use.