Lets Tribes Hold Conservation Easements
Virginia · HB134 · Introduced Jan 3, 2026
Why it matters
Tribes could hold and enforce conservation easements on land in Virginia without waiting five years. It would also let them help protect land with groups that already qualify.
What it does
- Adds federally recognized tribes to the groups that can hold conservation easements in Virginia
- Exempts tribes from the rule that holders have a Virginia office for at least five years
- Lets tribes co-hold easements with other groups until those groups meet the requirements
- Defines a federally recognized tribe as one within Virginia's current boundaries and recognized by the state and federal government
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would let federally recognized tribes hold conservation easements. Tribes would not face the same limits on office location or how long they exist as other easement holders.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Tribal groups would likely say this recognizes their role in protecting land. Land trusts may argue it adds experienced holders.
💬 The case against
Some land trusts would likely say the five-year rule protects against weak holders. They may worry about enforcing easements across different groups.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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