HB 1371 Summary

• Creates new "authorized livestock farm corporation" and "authorized livestock farm limited liability company" categories allowing entities to engage in livestock backgrounding, finishing, and poultry/dairy/swine production with up to 10 shareholders/members and maximum 160 acres of farmland or ranchland.

• Requires authorized livestock farm entities to derive at least 65 percent of gross income from livestock operations, maintain 75 percent shareholder/51 percent member ownership by individuals actively engaged in farming, and begin operations within six years of acquiring land.

• Establishes initial and annual reporting requirements for both traditional farming corporations and the new authorized livestock farm entities, including detailed ownership, management, and land holding disclosures to the Secretary of State.

• Expands definitions to include agricultural support services, beekeeping, livestock backgrounding, and livestock finishing as exempt from corporate farming restrictions.

• Provides enforcement mechanisms through attorney general actions, civil penalties up to $25,000, and mandatory divestment of non-compliant farmland holdings.