HB1493

Official summary

This bill authorizes local historical boards to contract with farmers to (i) farm crops on land that is part of a historical site if such land is comprised of five or more contiguous acres and (ii) harvest hay and other such naturally grown products of t he soil on land that is part of a historical site if the land is comprised of fewer than five contiguous acres. All proceeds received by the boards must be used for the preservation of historic sites and structures managed by the boards. The Tennessee hi st orical commission, with the assistance of the department of agriculture, must develop contracts for use by the boards when entering into such agreements. ANNUAL REPORT This bill requires the boards to submit an annual report no later than December 31 of each year to the Tennessee historical commission that includes detailed information about all contracts entered into under this bill for the calendar year and how the p roceeds from the contracts were used. ON FEBRUARY 26, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1490, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 makes the following changes:  Clarifies that a "local historical board" includes a non-profit entity that is established to oversee and promote the preservation of historic sites and structures within its jurisdiction, that receives assistance from the Tennessee historical commission to establish their own programs, and that operates under ordinances that provide an additional layer of protection and design review for designated historical properties or districts.  Provides that proceeds received by local historical board must be used in accordance with state guidelines and standards issued by the United States secretary of the interior.  Eliminates the requirement that contracts for use by local historical boards be developed in consultation with the department of agriculture.