HB3642 Summary

• Reduces the minimum acreage threshold for "open space" from 50 acres to 25 acres for purposes of township open space acquisition and preservation programs in counties with populations over 150,000.

• Adds "development for agricultural purposes" as an allowable use of open space land acquired by townships under their open space programs.

• Allows township boards to lease open space land for up to 50 years to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and government entities for various purposes including agricultural purposes, and requires that structures revert to the township upon lease expiration.

• Requires township board approval by two-thirds majority and voter referendum approval by simple majority before a township may sell, convey, donate, or otherwise dispose of any open space acquired under its open space plan.

• Requires that open space continue to be used according to the open space plan even if a township dissolves, consolidates, merges, or has its boundaries altered, unless disposition is approved through the same referendum procedures.