SB2011 Summary

• Creates the Agricultural and Natural Resources Legacy Act to establish a dedicated fund managed by the Department of Agriculture for protecting farmland through conservation easements.

• Establishes the Agricultural and Natural Resources Legacy Fund as a separate state treasury fund supported by appropriations, grants, donations, bond proceeds, and other sources for farmland conservation purposes.

• Provides grants to qualified easement holders (state/federal agencies, counties, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits) for purchasing agricultural conservation easements on qualified farmland, with easements required to be perpetual.

• Creates the 9-member Illinois Agricultural Legacy Council to annually review and approve grants, approve department rules, and advise on program outcomes; council includes agriculture director, natural resources director, and seven governor-appointed members representing farmers, lenders, agricultural organizations, conservation groups, education, soil/water conservation, and planning.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules by December 31, 2023, establishing application processes and scoring criteria that prioritize farmland susceptible to development, active cultivation, next-generation farmer transitions, and conservation priorities including habitat and water quality protection.