Kansas cities and counties would review proposed conservation easements

City or county officials would refer each proposed conservation easement to a planning commission, then decide whether to approve it. The county handles land outside a city's planning jurisdiction. The city handles land partly or fully within its boundaries or zoning jurisdiction. Officials could deny an easement if they find it is not in the public interest and conflicts with the area's comprehensive plan, a conservation or preservation program, or a known city or county government proposal for the land. A county planning commission would hold a public hearing within 60 days after receiving a proposal. If a city or county planning commission did not act within 60 days, the proposal would be treated as approved by that commission. The proposed act would take effect after publication in the statute book if enacted.