SF3018 Summary

• Requires annual reports to legislature by December 15 detailing elk damage payments by herd for the previous two fiscal years.

• Prohibits elk herd population increases unless crop and fence damages have not increased for at least two years, with mandatory joint public meetings 60 days before implementing herd expansion plans.

• Establishes solar site management practices allowing ground-mounted solar facilities over 40 kilowatts to provide native vegetation and pollinator habitat while reducing stormwater runoff and erosion.

• Creates Farmer-Lender Mediation Task Force with 14 members to provide recommendations on the state's Farmer-Lender Mediation Act by February 1, 2017.

• Directs Commissioner of Agriculture to analyze farm safety challenges and report findings by February 1, 2017, including comparisons to Midwest states and recommendations for improving farm safety efforts.