ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Purpose:
Appropriates $7.5 million from the state general fund to the Department of Agriculture in each of fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 for support of agriculture preservation districts and lengthens the maximum term for a lease of development rights by a district.
Background:
In 1999, the Legislature authorized the formation and operation of agriculture preservation districts (district) for the purpose of maintaining and encouraging agricultural uses of land and preserving open space uses without impairment of private property rights (Laws 1999, Chapter 258). The districts are formed through a petition to the county board of supervisors by a majority of the taxable property owners in the proposed district boundaries.
The district’s board of directors has the power to acquire or dispose of any real or personal property or lease the development rights for real property to further the purpose of the district. For this purpose, the district is authorized to spend private monies, contributions, grants or legislative appropriations. Additionally, legislation was enacted in 2000 to allow the board of directors to grant corporate and individual income tax credits to landowners of agricultural property that transfer the ownership of their land or development rights to the district (Laws 2000, Chapter 267).
H.B. 2189 appropriates $7.5 million from the state general fund to the Department of Agriculture in each of fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 for the support of the districts.
Provisions:
1. Appropriates $7.5 million from the state general fund to the Department of Agriculture in each of fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 for support of agriculture preservation districts. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
2. Increases the maximum term of a lease of development rights by a district from five-year terms, which are renewable, to 25-year terms with incremental five-year reviews by the district board of directors.
3. Makes technical changes.
4. Provides for a general effective date.
House Action:
NRA 1/24/01 DP 7-1-0-2
APPROP 3/6/01 DP 11-4-1
3rd Read 3/15/01 39-11-10
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 27, 2001