Connecticut House Bill HB05411

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/12
• Refer: 3/5/12

Caption

An Act Authorizing An Agricultural Conservation Easement On The Lands Of The Southbury Training School.

Impact

The passage of HB 5411 would serve as a significant measure for the preservation of agricultural land in Connecticut. By permitting a nonprofit organization to handle the conservation of this land, the state aims to ensure that agricultural practices continue and that the land does not fall into disuse or get developed for non-agricultural purposes. This approach not only preserves farmland but also supports the agricultural community by allowing leasing opportunities for farming activities.

Summary

House Bill 5411 aims to authorize an agricultural conservation easement on the lands of the Southbury Training School located in Southbury and Roxbury, Connecticut. The bill allows the Commissioner of Developmental Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture, to grant an easement to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the permanent protection of agricultural land. This easement would enable the organization to maintain the land for agricultural use and authorize leasing it to individuals for agricultural activities.

Contention

While HB 5411 is primarily focused on land conservation, it may still face scrutiny regarding the oversight of the nonprofit organizations involved and the effectiveness of such easements in maintaining the land’s agricultural integrity. Concerns may arise around the reversion clause if the nonprofit fails to uphold its mission, as this would return control of the easement to the state, potentially complicating the relationship between state authorities and community needs in agricultural preservation. Nonetheless, the perceived benefits of preserving essential farmland often lead to broad support for such measures.