An Act Regarding the Voluntary Municipal Farm Support Program
Sponsored By: Michael Tipping
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Easier town farm support agreements
The state’s Voluntary Municipal Farm Support Program lets towns make agreements with owners of qualified farmland. The law lowers the minimum agreement term to at least 10 years, down from 20. A deal can be approved by a majority of the town’s legislative body, by the municipal officers, or by a designated town employee. The agriculture department adopts routine technical rules to govern how these agreements work.
Caps on town farm support deals
The law limits how much of a town’s taxable land value can be under farm support deals. No more than 3% of total taxable land value may be affected unless a two‑thirds vote of the town’s legislative body approves more. In any calendar year, new deals may not affect more than 1% unless a two‑thirds vote approves. These caps can limit enrollment unless the town’s legislative body grants supermajority approval.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michael Tipping
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Bruce Bickford
Republican • Senate
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Henry L. Ingwersen
Democratic • Senate
Marshall Archer
Democratic • House
Matthew Beck
Democratic • House
Rachel Talbot Ross
Democratic • Senate
Sharon Frost
Independent • House
Stacy F. Brenner
Democratic • Senate
Timothy E. Nangle
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 216
6/9/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/2/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-176).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-176) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-176).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
5/29/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/22/2025HouseTaken from the table by the President On motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Sent down for concurrence
4/17/2025SenateUnfinished Business
4/15/2025SenateUnfinished Business
4/10/2025SenateCommittee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed On motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending REFERENCE Unfinished Business
4/8/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-176), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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