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HB 1325

Agriculture, Dept. of - As enacted, establishes a fund for the development and implementation of programs that benefit Tennesseans by preserving farmland and forestland, including a grant program for conservation easements. - Amends TCA Title 43, Chapter 1, Part 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Tennessee creates a farmland and forestland preservation fund with conservation easement grants to incentivize voluntary development restrictions on private agricultural and forest lands.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 470
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Bill Summary · HB 1325

Legislative bill overview

HB 1325 establishes a dedicated fund within Tennessee's Department of Agriculture to develop and implement programs that preserve farmland and forestland across the state. The bill specifically creates a grant program for conservation easements, which are legal agreements that restrict development on agricultural and forest lands while allowing landowners to retain ownership.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects Tennessee's land use patterns and rural economy by providing financial incentives for landowners to voluntarily protect their property from development. Conservation easements can help maintain agricultural productivity, forest ecosystems, and rural character while potentially offering tax benefits to participating landowners, making preservation economically viable for farming and forestry operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Land use control concerns: Some property rights advocates may view conservation easements as government overreach, even though participation is voluntary, as easements permanently restrict future development options
  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill's text doesn't specify how the fund will be financed (general revenue, dedicated tax, fees), raising questions about fiscal impact and whether other priorities are being deprioritized
  • Beneficiary distribution: Questions about whether grant programs will equitably serve small farmers and rural landowners versus larger agricultural operations or land trusts

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

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