House OKs changes to greenbelt rules so farmers can temporarily fallow land for conservation

The Utah House approved Second Substitute HB 5 20 on Feb. 23 to ease tax‑status penalties for farmers who temporarily fallow land as part of water‑conservation or agricultural plans.

Sponsor Representative Jason B. Kyle said the bill "gives farmers flexibility in managing their farms and it lets them optimally use their natural resources by allowing temporary following as part of an agricultural plan or a water conservation effort." He described the current problem: greenbelt or farmland assessment rules require production thresholds that can penalize farmers who rotate crops, fallow land because of water scarcity, or pursue conservation methods.

Supporters said the change protects working farmland from conversion pressures by removing tax‑penalty disincentives for voluntary conservation. There was no recorded opposition during floor debate. The House adopted the substitute and passed HB 5 20 on a recorded vote of 72 yes, 0 no.

Next steps: The bill will be sent to the Senate for its consideration.