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Sponsor Tables Bill That Would Limit Conservation Easements to 40 Years After Large Turnout
Summary
Senator Tony Tzak introduced SB209 to cap conservation easements at 40 years and to prohibit certain agricultural restrictions; after extensive in-room and online testimony from ranchers, timber companies, conservation organizations and tax experts, the committee approved a motion to table the bill at the sponsor's request.
Senate Judiciary Chair Usher opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 209, a measure introduced by Senator Tony Tzak (for the record identified as 'Tony Tzak') that would limit conservation easements to a maximum 40-year term and bar some restrictions on agricultural uses. The sponsor told the committee he intended to table the bill to continue work with stakeholders but asked the committee to hear public testimony because the topic generated "a lot of interest and passion on both sides."
The committee heard an extended series of proponent and opponent statements. Charles Denow of United Property Owners of Montana said long-term or perpetual easements can shortchange landowners because "there's no…
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