Bill > SB519

This bill establishes new land conservation goals for Virginia, aiming to permanently conserve 20 percent of the state's total land area and 10 percent of its urban areas by 2036. To achieve this, the Department of Conservation and Recreation will assess how best to meet these targets, considering factors like current conservation levels, past conservation efforts, best practices from other states, and the estimated state funding needed. The Department is required to submit an annual report detailing its findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by November 1st each year, starting in 2026. This bill also removes previous requirements for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation to develop and maintain an annual needs assessment for fund expenditures and for the Virginia Land Conservation Board of Trustees to report on funds needed to meet their goals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB519