An Act to amend 20.115 (7) (dm), 20.115 (7) (tm), 71.613 (2) (intro.) and 91.84 (1) (b); to create 71.613 (2e) and 91.10 (7) of the statutes; Relating to: farmland preservation implementation grants, maximum acres of agricultural enterprise areas, indexing the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
A notable change enacted by AB852 is the increase of land designated for agricultural enterprise areas from a maximum of 2,000,000 acres to 3,000,000 acres. This expansion is aimed at fostering agricultural growth and ensuring that local governments can better manage land use for agricultural purposes. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that will index farmland preservation tax credits for inflation, thereby adjusting the monetary incentives to better reflect current economic conditions. These tax credits can significantly affect farmers and local governments working on preservation goals.
Summary
Assembly Bill 852 is a legislative proposal designed to support the preservation of farmland in Wisconsin through a range of provisions aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability. By authorizing the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to offer grants to local governmental entities, the bill enables cities, towns, and counties to implement and comply with their respective certified farmland preservation plans. This includes financial support for the development of key agricultural zoning ordinances, land agreements, and compliance monitoring related to land and water conservation standards.
Contention
While the bill has gained support from various stakeholders who argue it promotes sustainability and economic opportunities within the agricultural community, there are concerns about how increased funding and granting authority could be administered effectively. Critics may voice apprehensions regarding potential bureaucratic delays in fund distribution or the oversight of grant recipients and the actual effectiveness of funded projects in achieving preservation goals. Such contention reflects a broader dialogue about the balance between state intervention and local autonomy in land management.
Additional_notes
The introduction of AB852 marks a proactive approach toward agricultural preservation by linking economic incentives directly with regulatory frameworks. As local governments prepare to potentially implement these changes, the success of AB852 will largely depend on the effectiveness of grant contracts and the commitment of local entities to adhere to established conservation practices.
Crossfiled
Farmland preservation implementation grants, maximum acres of agricultural enterprise areas, indexing the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Farmland preservation implementation grants, maximum acres of agricultural enterprise areas, indexing the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Appropriates $64,787,327 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Taxation: farmland and open space; certain references in the farmland and open space preservation statute; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 36109 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.36109). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25
Transfers Division of Food and Nutrition from Department of Agriculture to DHS; appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Establishes Farmland Assessment Review Commission to annually review and recommend changes to farmland assessment program, as necessary to ensure fair, equitable, and uniform Statewide application and enforcement of program requirements and allocation of program benefits.
Establishes Farmland Assessment Review Commission to annually review and recommend changes to farmland assessment program, as necessary to ensure fair, equitable, and uniform Statewide application and enforcement of program requirements and allocation of program benefits.