HI SB552

Establishes a Healthy Soils Program within the Department of Agriculture to support farm management practices that improve soil health, increase soil carbon sequestration, and enhance agricultural sustainability.

Integrates and consolidates the compost reimbursement program and cover crop reimbursement pilot program under the unified healthy soils framework while providing technical assistance, financial incentives, and soil health assessments to farmers and landowners.

Requires the Department to update and refine soil data in the land study bureau soil rating system by incorporating latest USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service data and developing high-resolution digital soil maps with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Mandates establishment of a public review process for evaluating updated soil data and requires annual reports to the Legislature detailing progress on soil data updates, mapping improvements, and recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish the program and issue financial awards and incentives (specific amount left blank in bill text); effective July 1, 3000.