HB2737 Summary

• Amends the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act to expand the definition of public policy to include soil health, organic matter in soil, water quality, and resilience to droughts, floods, and extreme weather.

• Adds a new definition of "soil health" as the overall composition of soil including organic matter and its capacity to function as a living ecosystem sustaining plants, animals, and humans.

• Expands district authorities to conduct surveys and develop comprehensive plans for soil health improvement and to engage in soil health improvement operations.

• Authorizes districts to cooperate with landowners and agencies on soil health improvement and erosion control operations.

• Allows districts to provide machinery, equipment, and materials to assist landowners with soil health conservation and improvement efforts.