SB 583 — An Act amending the act of June 30, 1981 (P.L.128, No.43), known as the Agricultural Area Security Law, further providing for definitions and for purchase of agricultural conservation easements.

Bill Text

• Printer's No. 0642 View text Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the definitions and allowable activities under the Agricultural Area Security Law to include agritourism activities and provides conditions under which they can occur on restricted land.

• Section 3

  "Agritourism activity." Farm-related tourism or farm-related entertainment activity that: (1) takes place on a farm where agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural crops are grown or farm animals, rural animals or farmed fish are raised; and (2) allows members of the general public, whether or not for a fee, to tour, explore, observe, learn about, participate in or be entertained by an aspect of agricultural production, harvesting, husbandry or rural lifestyle that occurs on the farm.

  Introduces a new definition for agritourism activity.

• Section 3

  "Anticipated yearly gross income." Gross income normally expected to be generated in one year, without occurrence of a natural disaster or other occurrence or condition beyond the operator's reasonable control.

  Introduces a new definition for anticipated yearly gross income.

• Section 3

  "Farm." An operation commercially engaged in agriculture that: (1) is 10 or more acres in contiguous area; or (2) has an anticipated yearly gross income of at least $2,000 from agricultural production.

  Clarifies the definition of a farm.

• Section 14.1(c)(6)

  Customary part-time or off-season minor or rural enterprises and activities, other than agritourism activities, which are provided for in the county Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program approved by the State board under subsection (d). → Customary part-time or off-season minor or rural enterprises and activities, other than agritourism activities, which are provided for in the county Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program approved by the State board under subsection (d). (vi) An agritourism activity that: (A) is incidental to a farm's agricultural use; (B) does not render a portion of the restricted land incapable of being immediately converted to agricultural use; and (C) has been deemed to be an agritourism activity by a county board.

  Allow agritourism activities as exceptions to agricultural conservation easement restrictions under certain conditions.

Action History

1. May 08, 2019

   Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

2. May 07, 2019

   Third consideration and final passage

3. May 06, 2019

   Re-reported as committed

4. May 01, 2019

   Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS

5. May 01, 2019

   Second consideration

6. April 30, 2019

   First consideration

7. April 30, 2019

   Reported as committed

8. April 25, 2019

   PN 0642 Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Sponsors

• Lisa Baker · Cosponsor
• Michele Brooks · Cosponsor
• Judy Ward · Cosponsor
• Steven J. Santarsiero · Cosponsor
• Aument · Primary
• Elder A. Vogel · Cosponsor
• Camera Bartolotta · Cosponsor
• Regan · Cosponsor
• Scott Martin · Cosponsor
• Patrick J. Stefano · Cosponsor
• Folmer · Cosponsor
• Killion · Cosponsor
• Brewster · Cosponsor
• Judith L. Schwank · Cosponsor
• Leach · Cosponsor
• Yudichak · Cosponsor

Votes

Subjects