EDITOR: I would like to thank Assemblymember John Laird for
authoring AB 1492, which will ensure continued protection of
California’s important agricultural land. His bill, now signed into
law by the governor, adds needed protection to the Williamson
Act.
EDITOR:
I would like to thank Assemblymember John Laird for authoring AB 1492, which will ensure continued protection of California’s important agricultural land. His bill, now signed into law by the governor, adds needed protection to the Williamson Act. This act has preserved millions of acres of farmland in California. In exchange for the conservation easement on their land, farmers and ranchers have realized important savings in property taxes.
Unfortunately, the entire program was threatened by some who allowed development on Williamson Act land. There was little in the way of penalties for breaking Williamson Act contracts. The contracts were in danger of being declared unconstitutionally unenforceable by the courts.
Laird has worked hard to see that this flaw in the Williamson Act is fixed. Since 1965, the Williamson Act has provided a means for farmers and ranchers to stay viable in an ever-changing agricultural environment. Breach of this act could be very detrimental to the efforts of many communities to curb urban sprawl and protect valuable open space. I’m glad Laird closed this gaping loop hole.
Alex Kennett,
Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
Director, District 1
