Tennessee House Bill HB1890

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Refer: 2/27/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/25/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Refer: 4/9/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43, Chapter 1, Part 1, relative to agricultural real estate interests.

Impact

The bill facilitates the creation of a program within the Department of Agriculture aimed at preserving farmlands and enhancing the state's agricultural resources. A specific fund, known as the farmland preservation fund, will be created within the general fund to support the acquisition and administration of agricultural easements. This fund will ensure that unspent balances do not revert to the general fund but can be utilized for future agricultural preservation efforts, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Summary

House Bill 1890 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 43, Chapter 1, Part 1, concerning agricultural real estate interests. This legislation introduces the concept of agricultural easements, which are described as voluntary nonpossessory interests that impose certain limitations or obligations on landowners regarding the use and management of their properties. The bill establishes a framework for the acquisition and administration of these easements by the state government, with the goal of preserving and enhancing agricultural and forestry production in Tennessee.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB1890 seems to be supportive of agricultural preservation and the protection of farming interests against urban development. The introduction of agricultural easements is perceived as a proactive measure to address the challenges faced by farmers in maintaining viable agricultural operations amid proliferation of urbanization and land use changes. Legislators and advocates for agricultural interests may view this bill as a means to secure the future of farming in the state.

Contention

Despite the generally positive reception, there may be contention related to the limitations imposed by agricultural easements on land use. Some stakeholders could argue that such restrictions may hinder farmers' abilities to develop their land as needed or limit opportunities for diversifying land use. Additionally, the bill's implementation will require oversight and administration by the Department of Agriculture, raising concerns about bureaucratic efficiency and transparency in the management of the farmland preservation fund.