Committee backs bill allowing subdivision and transfer of small parcels to contiguous preserved farmland owners

House Bill 15 84, sponsored by Chairman Griner, amends the Agricultural Area Security Law to allow owners of contiguous preserved farmland to subdivide and transfer parcels of less than 10 acres to neighboring preserved farm owners, and to add small parcels to existing preserved farmland without triggering clean‑and‑green rollback tax penalties when specified criteria are met.

Kyle, a committee staff presenter, explained the bill’s purpose and said the administration supports the legislation; the County Commissioners Association (CCAP) did not take a formal position but raised concerns that the bill could expand farmland preservation.

“Situations arise from time to time where owners of contiguous preserved farmland have reason to transfer ownership of a small tract of land to the neighboring landowner,” the staff overview said, and the change would allow a preserved farm owner to add a few acres to existing preserved farmland. Representative Haddock asked whether parcels retained under the change would still be subject to development restrictions; a staff member confirmed the existing law’s restrictions remain.

Representative Sapi and Chairman Miller spoke in favor, saying the bill adds flexibility for small family farms and can help preserve agricultural land and open space. Representative Salisbury sought clarification about how “crop unique to the area” would be defined; the committee called up the Agriculture Department executive director, Kerry Golan, who noted the term is defined in existing law and the bill does not change that definition.

The committee voted to report the bill to the House for consideration by voice vote.

Supporters said the bill would help small family farms and preserve food‑producing land; the bill preserves existing acreage limits while offering more flexibility for certain transfers and preventing rollback tax penalties when transfers meet the bill’s conditions.