Relating to: the agricultural conservation easement purchase program and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 11 co-sponsors

Wisconsin SB 840 would fund and establish an agricultural conservation easement purchase program to buy easements, preserving farmland from development.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1

1. Purpose and Intent

SB 840 proposes to relate to the agricultural conservation easement purchase program and to make an appropriation.

The core objective is to support and fund conservation practices by acquiring agricultural conservation easements, thereby protecting farmland from development and maintaining agricultural use.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

Establishes or expands an agricultural conservation easement purchase program within the state framework.

Provides a mechanism for state funding (appropriation) to support the purchase of agricultural conservation easements.

Aims to delineate eligible lands, funding eligibility, and processes for purchasing easements from landowners.

Likely outlines program administration, eligibility criteria for applicants (farmers/landowners), appraisal standards, and terms of easements (restricting non-agricultural development while preserving farmland productivity).

May include reporting, oversight, and evaluation standards to ensure accountability and measurable conservation outcomes.

The exact dollar amounts, match requirements, or caps, if any, are determined by the appropriation language accompanying the bill (not provided in the summary materials).

3. Affected Parties and Impacts

Primary: Wisconsin agricultural landowners and operators who wish to place an agricultural conservation easement on their property.

State and local governments and land conservation organizations involved in administering or partnering on easement purchases.

Potential environmental and community benefits include:

Long-term protection of productive farmland.
Preservation of open space and rural character.
Improved soil and water quality through maintained agricultural practices.
Potential reduction in non-agricultural development pressures near farming areas.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue (as of the initial actions).

Co-sponsors include a broad group of Senate and Assembly members, indicating cross-party or cross-chamber support focus on conservation and agriculture.

Fiscal note: A fiscal estimate was received (February 4, 2026), indicating that expected costs and funding implications have been evaluated by the relevant budget authorities.

The action history shows that it did not pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 as of the latest available update, but the legislative process and any floor votes, amendments, or companion Assembly actions would determine final status.

5. Notable Details

The bill’s title emphasizes both establishing the program and making an appropriation, signaling a tangible funding component aside from just program creation.

The list of co-sponsors includes representatives and senators known for involvement in agriculture and rural policy, suggesting a focus on practical conservation outcomes aligned with Wisconsin’s landscape and farm economies.

If you’d like, I can summarize any available fiscal provisions or the bill’s text to extract specific funding levels, eligibility criteria, or timelines once those details are accessible.

Bill