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Bill Summary · SR 195

Summary of SR 195 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Title

A Resolution supporting perpetual conservation easements.

Purpose and Intent

  • Expresses the Kentucky Senate’s support for the availability and use of conservation easements, including perpetual (forever) and term-based options.
  • Emphasizes conservation easements as voluntary, incentive-based tools that promote conservation on private lands while benefiting landowners, wildlife habitat, agricultural production, and rural economies.
  • Affirms that perpetual easements preserve conservation values into the future and provide landowners with clear contractual assurances.
  • Highlights that such easements help landowners monetize environmental and habitat values and can assist agricultural operations and heirs in maintaining land in production.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: The Senate “supports the availability of termed and perpetual conservation easements” as important tools to promote conservation on private lands and reward voluntary participation by landowners.
  • Section 2: The Senate recognizes that attempts to undermine existing easement terms subverts the contract and reduces landowner flexibility to use land rights consistent with the easement (i.e., selling certain land use rights rather than the entire property).
  • Section 3: The Senate notes the importance of considering future generations when making property decisions and encourages discussions within families about property decisions, rather than undermining perpetual easements and their history of success.
  • Section 4: Directs the Clerk of the Senate to transmit a copy of the resolution to Senator Robin Webb (the co-sponsor).

Who/What Is Affected

  • Private landowners who currently participate in or might participate in conservation easement programs in Kentucky.
  • Landowners and families considering property rights, land use restrictions, or transfers across generations.
  • Stakeholders promoting voluntary conservation practices on private lands (e.g., wildlife habitat, agriculture, rural economic benefits).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The resolution is non-binding and expresses the Senate’s position in support of conservation easements.
  • Action history:
    • Introduced: March 25, 2026
    • Referred to Committee on Committees (S)
    • Reported/sent to Senate Floor: March 26, 2026
    • Adopted by voice vote: March 27, 2026
  • Co-sponsor: Senator Robin Webb

Potential Impact

  • Signals bipartisan support for conservation easements as a policy and cultural instrument in Kentucky.
  • May influence public perception and private landowner decision-making regarding enrollment in termed or perpetual easement programs.
  • Reaffirms commitment to protecting private property rights within the framework of voluntary conservation agreements.
  • Could affect future legislative or administrative discussions related to conservation easements, messaging around their permanence, and protections for existing easements’ terms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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