HB 1521

Bill Subjects

Agriculture, State Agencies And Programs Conservation; Conservancy Districts Easements

Abstract

Requires the Indiana state department of agriculture (department) to establish a program to assist individuals in creating agricultural conservation easements for agricultural land. Requires the department to assist individuals and local governments in obtaining agricultural conservation easements through federal programs. Creates the agricultural conservation easement fund to purchase permanent agricultural conservation easements. Provides that an agricultural conservation easement that meets the conservation easement requirements shall be assessed and taxed on a basis that reflects the easement. Provides that the state or a unit of local government may not acquire an interest in any real property through eminent domain if the real property is subject to an agricultural conservation easement, unless permission has been granted by the director of the department. Specifies that an agricultural conservation easement does not affect the ability of a public utility or a municipally owned utility to acquire property or property rights to be used in connection with the provision of utility services to the public.