SB 5101-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares a purpose of this act to minimize the extent to which state programs contribute to the unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses, and to assure that state programs are administered in a manner that, to the extent practicable, will be compatible with local government, and private programs and policies to protect farmland.

     Requires state agencies to use the assistance and information of the natural resources conservation service of the United States department of agriculture to identify and take into account the adverse effects of the agency's programs on the preservation of farmland; to consider alternative actions, as appropriate, that could lessen such adverse effects; and to assure that the agency's programs, to the extent practicable, are compatible with state and local government programs and policies to protect farmland.

     Directs each state agency to review current provisions of law, administrative rules, and applicable policies and procedures to determine whether any provision will prevent it from taking appropriate action to comply fully with this act.

     Directs each state agency to, as appropriate, develop proposals for action to bring its programs, authorities, and administrative activities into conformity with the purpose and policy of this act.

     Does not authorize any unit of state government in any way to regulate the use of private or nonstate land, nor does it in any way affect the property rights of owners of such land.