Farm Bureau-supported PA 116 fix advances to governor after overwhelming House vote

A bipartisan package to update and strengthen the state’s farmland preservation program—strongly supported by Michigan Farm Bureau—passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly this week and now awaits the governor’s signature, following a procedural Senate concurrence vote.

The legislation seeks to resolve ambiguities that created confusion for landowners enrolled in both the state’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (commonly known as PA 116) and permanent conservation easements.

MFB President Ben LaCross said the package represents exactly how the organization’s grassroots policy process is meant to work.

“This was a much-needed fix, and it’s a great example of an issue coming full circle,” LaCross said. “Our members raised concerns, brought forward documentation and real-life scenarios, and worked directly with Farm Bureau staff and legislators to explain what wasn’t working. That input helped drive a practical solution that protects the integrity of the program while giving farm families clarity and certainty.”

The effort culminated in the passage of Senate Bills 685-690 and 699, sponsored by Sens. Sue Shink (D-Northfield), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), John Cherry (D-Flint), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway), and Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville). 

Specifically, the bills accomplish the following:

• Reaffirm eligibility for the PA 116 income tax credit for farmland enrolled in both preservation programs.
• Restore consistency by preventing back-tax assessments and ensuring accurate credit amounts.
• Providing certainty to existing contract holders and future enrollees.
• Strengthening the Agricultural Preservation Fund by increasing its administrative spending cap.

MFB Legislative Counsel Rebecca Park said that collaboration was key throughout the process, noting their work alongside land conservancy organizations and legislative partners to ensure the solution addressed concerns across the board.

“We’re grateful to the senators who led this effort and worked collaboratively with our friends in the House to address a problem farmers were facing,” Park said. “Their leadership resulted in a solution that provides consistency and fairness for landowners participating in the PA 116 program.”