Bill Text: MS HR137 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Voluntary conservation easements; support use of as a tool to provide wildlife habitats.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR137 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR137-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Bounds
House Resolution 137
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND HONORING THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SPORTSMEN'S CAUCUSES FOR PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITATS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
WHEREAS, conservation easements provide important wildlife habitats on our nation's private lands, supporting opportunities for hunters by increasing available habitats for iconic game species while providing many other environmental benefits; and
WHEREAS, conservation easements are a completely voluntary, free‑market, incentive‑based contract, the terms of which are agreed upon by the landowner, for the conservation of natural, agricultural and historical resources on private land; and
WHEREAS, conservation easements protect private property rights and enable landowners to monetize the environmental and habitat values of their land; and
WHEREAS, perpetual easements ensure that conservation values are managed forever while providing landowners with clearly defined assurances through written easement contracts; and
WHEREAS, conservation easements enable agricultural producers to maintain and expand their operations and pass their land on to their heirs, if they so choose, while benefiting rural economies by keeping private land in agricultural production; and
WHEREAS, conservation easements also provide capital that enables landowners to grow or maintain agricultural operations or reinvest in the landscape; and
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature supports the availability of termed and perpetual conservation easements as an important tool designed to promote conservation practices on private lands while rewarding landowners for their voluntary participation; and
WHEREAS, the rights of future generations are important considerations for current landowners, highlighting the importance for families to discuss property decisions, rather than undermining the availability of perpetual conservation easements and their history of success; and
WHEREAS, the House of Representatives greatly appreciates the dedication and commitment that the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses has shown in serving the people and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the importance of voluntary conservation easements and honor the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses for protecting wildlife habitats and private property rights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Executive Council of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
