OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 6659

AN ACT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS' RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENT STATUTES.

SUMMARY:

By law, the agriculture commissioner may create a community farms program to preserve farmland that does not meet the criteria of the Farmland Preservation program because of size, soil quality, or location, but that contributes to local economic activity. The law allows him to buy up to 100% of the development rights from an eligible owner, subject to an appraisal and review required by Department of Agriculture regulations. The bill eliminates the reference to the regulations, and allows the commissioner to purchase these development rights subject to any appraisal and review he requires.

The bill specifies that regulations the commissioner adopts in consultation with the Farmland Preservation Advisory Board, including those providing that individual landowners are eligible to receive up to $ 20,000 per acre for development rights, refer to the Farmland Preservation program created under CGS § 22-26cc.

It also makes technical changes in environmental laws.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

COMMITTEE ACTION

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute