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Bill to bar nonprofits from leasing state trust land splits agricultural and conservation advocates
Summary
HB 647 would prohibit nonprofit organizations and corporations from leasing state trust land; proponents said nonprofit competition disadvantages taxable ranchers, opponents including conservation groups and nonprofits said the bill would impede conservation projects, community recreation and food-security programs.
Representative Brandon Lear opened House Bill 647 proposing to bar nonprofit organizations and corporations from leasing state trust lands. The sponsor said the change would protect working agricultural families by preventing nonprofit entities — which typically do not pay income tax — from competing for leases on state sections used for grazing and farming.
County commissioners and agricultural representatives testified in favor. Phillips County Commissioner Richard Dunbar and Blaine County Commissioner Miles Hutton said nonprofits can hold large portfolios of state sections…
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