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AlaskaSB 20834th Legislature - Second Session (2026)SenateWALLET

AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES

Sponsored By: Jesse Bjorkman (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Buy state farm land at set prices

Beginning January 1, 2027, the state sells farm land in described parcels after consulting the Board of Agriculture. The department publishes a per‑acre price schedule by region and may set prices below market to support farming. Land sold under this law must be used for agriculture. You can apply to buy by naming the parcel and giving a detailed farm plan. If your leased land is offered for sale, the director may let you buy it when that serves the state’s interest.

New rules for state farm leases

Beginning January 1, 2027, the state leases land for farming, including land not already classified as agricultural. Leases can run up to 55 years if that term is in the state’s best interest. Lessees may build housing for farmers and farm workers on the leased land. A lease can be renewed once (AS 38.05.084 leases may renew for 20 years) if it is in good standing and renewal serves the state’s interest. When there is competition, leases are awarded by auction or sealed bid, with a minimum bid and a payment method designed to maximize the state’s return, and bidders must deposit money to cover any approved survey or appraisal costs. Aggrieved bidders have five days to appeal decisions, and leases can be voided if the land is not used for its farming purpose.

More farm loan funding from land deals

Beginning January 1, 2027, money from sales and leases of farm land is tracked in a separate account. The Legislature may put this money into the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund. This can increase loan dollars available to farms and ag businesses.

Fines and lawsuits for farm covenant breaks

Beginning January 1, 2027, the department can fine landowners who do not work with their soil and water conservation district, who fail to prepare or follow a required farm development schedule, or who violate a perpetual covenant. The agency sets fine amounts by regulation. Perpetual covenants can also be enforced in court by the state, a city, or a resident. A lawsuit must be filed within six years and only after 90 days’ written notice to the conservation district.

Clarifies which land sale laws apply

Beginning January 1, 2027, the commissioner may still sell or lease other state land, including remote cabin sites, under existing laws. The act also confirms which existing disposal and lease rules apply to this farm land program when they do not conflict.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jesse Bjorkman

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. (H) RESOURCES at 01:00 PM BARNES 124

    5/15/2026House

  2. (H) REFERRED TO RESOURCES

    5/14/2026House

  3. (H) RES

    5/14/2026House

  4. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

    5/14/2026House

  5. (S) VERSION: CSSB 208(RES)

    5/13/2026Senate

  6. (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)

    5/13/2026Senate

  7. (S) COSPONSOR(S): RAUSCHER, TILTON

    5/13/2026Senate

  8. (S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE

    5/13/2026Senate

  9. (S) PASSED Y20 N-

    5/13/2026Senate

  10. (S) READ THE THIRD TIME CSSB 208(RES)

    5/13/2026Senate

  11. (S) COSPONSOR(S): KIEHL, GIESSEL, YUNDT, CLAMAN, KAUFMAN, CRONK

    5/12/2026Senate

  12. (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/13 CAL

    5/12/2026Senate

  13. (S) RES CS ADOPTED UC

    5/12/2026Senate

  14. (S) READ THE SECOND TIME

    5/12/2026Senate

  15. (S) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/12/2026

    5/12/2026Senate

  16. (S) FN2: ZERO(DNR)

    5/6/2026Senate

  17. (S) NR: STEDMAN, KAUFMAN, CRONK, MERRICK

    5/6/2026Senate

  18. (S) DP: OLSON, HOFFMAN, KIEHL

    5/6/2026Senate

  19. (S) FIN RPT CS(RES) 3DP 4NR

    5/6/2026Senate

  20. (S) Moved CSSB 208(RES) Out of Committee -- Please Note Time Change --

    5/4/2026Senate

  21. (S) FINANCE at 01:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532

    5/4/2026Senate

  22. Audio/Video

    5/4/2026House

  23. (S) Heard & Held

    4/27/2026Senate

  24. (S) FINANCE at 09:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532

    4/27/2026Senate

  25. Audio/Video

    4/27/2026House

Bill Text

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