SB4044Introduced in the Senate
LAND CONSERVATION ACT
Introduced by David Koehler, District 46
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Creates the Agricultural Land Conservation Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2027, a Farmland Conversion Fee of $275 per acre shall be paid by the buyer or lessee of a transaction for any agricultural land that will be removed from production for the specific purpose of developing an industrial park, a commercial area, a single-family or multi-family dwelling or for being put to any other use that removes the agricultural land from production. Provides that the fee shall be collected by the Department of Agricultural. Provides for the creation of the Farmland Conversion Fee Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury. Provides that all Farmland Conversion Fees collected by the Department of Agriculture shall be contributed to the Fund. Further provides that moneys in the Fund may be exclusively used for the following purposes: (i) supporting education and programs that support healthy soil clean water, and climate-smart agricultural practices; (ii) supporting operations funding for soil and water conservation districts; (iii) covering costs associated with administering the Act; (iv) any other purposes that the Department of Agriculture determines are consistent with the purposes of the Act. Provides that, before expending moneys for any other purposes, the Department of Agriculture shall, subject to the availability of moneys in the Fund, ensure that during each State fiscal year, $10,000,000 is distributed to soil and water conservation districts, for the purpose of supporting their operations funding. Provides that $500,000 shall be distributed to the Department of Agriculture for the purposes of collecting fees and administering the program created under the Act. Provides for penalties. Effective immediately.
Where it stands
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa
May 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.
Bill history
Filed with Secretary by Sen. David Koehler
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Assigned to Appropriations
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Sally J. Turner
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Patrick J. Joyce
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mark L. Walker
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. David Koehler
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Appropriations
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Paul Faraci
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael W. Halpin
Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 24, 2026
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes
Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 15, 2026
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Chapin Rose
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael E. Hastings
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Chris Balkema
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Dave Syverson
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Donald P. DeWitte
Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 22, 2026
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Porfirio
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa
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