Bill > SB208

This bill amends Alaska state law to create a new process for leasing state land specifically for agricultural purposes, defining "agricultural purposes" to include commercial production of plants and animals, related housing and improvements, and necessary gravel use and timber removal for land conversion. It allows the commissioner to lease state land not already classified as agricultural, requiring applicants to provide detailed information about their proposed use and management plan, and mandates public notice to solicit competitive interest. If multiple applications are received for the same land, the lease will be awarded based on the merit of the agricultural proposal, considering factors like applicant qualifications and consistency with state plans, rather than solely on the highest monetary bid. Leases will be for 10 years with renewal options, and lessees who have used the land for agricultural purposes for at least seven years may apply to purchase it. The bill also establishes provisions for agricultural fee schedules, lease termination, renewal, and land return, and allows for civil penalties for lease violations, while also clarifying that these new agricultural leases can be renewed once and that lessees may have preference to purchase or lease the land at the end of their lease term.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB208