Connecticut House Bill HB05345

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20

Caption

An Act Concerning State Review Of Farmland Preservation Transactions.

Impact

By streamlining the review process, HB 05345 is expected to facilitate quicker action in preserving agricultural lands, thereby helping to maintain the agricultural landscape of Connecticut. The bill emphasizes the importance of preserving the state's agricultural potential amidst growing development pressures. Additionally, it mandates that the Commissioner take into account several factors, such as the land's current productivity and the probability of it being sold for non-agricultural purposes, when determining whether to acquire development rights. This holistic approach aims to balance agricultural interests with developmental needs.

Summary

House Bill 05345 is focused on the review process of farmland preservation transactions in Connecticut. The bill aims to amend existing statutes regarding the acquisition of farmland development rights by the Commissioner of Agriculture. The primary change proposed in the bill is the removal of the requirement for State Property Review Board approval in transactions concerning the Farmland Preservation Program. This change is intended to accelerate the acquisition process and enhance the state's ability to preserve agricultural land effectively.

Contention

Despite its intention to improve efficiency, the bill may face contention among stakeholders concerned about the implications of removing the review board's oversight. Critics argue that the review board serves as an essential safeguard to ensure that farmland acquisitions align with broader environmental and community planning goals. There may be concerns that without this oversight, there could be inadequate consideration of the long-term impacts of transitioning agricultural lands to other uses. As a result, discussions surrounding HB 05345 highlight the ongoing tension between the need to expedite farmland preservation and the necessity of having proper checks and balances in place.