Bill > SB342

This bill requires that if someone takes land through condemnation proceedings that is protected by a conservation easement (a legal agreement to protect land for conservation purposes) or an open-space easement (an agreement to keep land undeveloped), they must pay additional compensation. This compensation is to be paid to the Commonwealth (the state) for the value of any tax credits the landowner received under the Virginia Land Conservation Incentives Act of 1999 while the easement was in effect, and to the local government for any property taxes the landowner avoided during that same period. This payment to the Commonwealth is separate from any compensation owed to the landowner or the entity holding the easement, and it must also be used in a way that aligns with the original conservation goals of the easement.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB342