2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105684D

SENATE BILL NO. 814

Offered January 23, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 10.1-1010.1, relating to Virginia Conservation Easement Act; demographic information on certain conservation easement owners; report.

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Patron—Stuart

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 10.1-1010.1 as follows:

§ 10.1-1010.1. Report on certain conservation easement owners.

The Department shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly containing demographic information about each owner of a conservation easement in the Commonwealth that is funded with public funds. Such information shall include (i) the owner's age, gender, ethnicity, household income, and geographic location; (ii) the type of business entity the owner formed under the laws of the Commonwealth; and (iii) if an owner is a part of a Indian tribe, the identity of such tribe. The Department shall submit the initial report by November 1, 2026, and annually by November 1 of each year thereafter.

2. That the information the Department of Conservation and Recreation is required to submit in the initial report pursuant to § 10.1-1010.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, shall include data covering the last 20 years.