Lede: Senate Bill 14 35, a measure addressing compensation and technical requirements for acquisitions affecting conservation easements, was laid on the table by the Courts of Justice committee in a roll-call vote of 15–5.

Nut graf: Sponsor Senator Perry and supporters described the bill as protecting open-space and conservation easements by ensuring that entities acquiring easements compensate the locality and Commonwealth for tax benefits foregone. The bill drew opposition in committee that led to the motion to table after floor-line amendments and further discussion about scope, definitions, and exemptions for utilities.

Body: Senator Perry said the bill responds to concerns about conversion or acquisition of longstanding conservation easements and that compensation should reflect the tax benefits the locality and Commonwealth forewent. Counsel reported a substitute that added language specifying compensation proportional to the land or interest condemned and made technical changes throughout the bill. The sponsor also proffered line amendments to address objections, including an exemption for natural-gas utilities tied to statutory definitions.

Despite the offered amendments, a motion to lay the bill on the table was moved and seconded and the committee voted 15–5 to table SB 14 35. Committee members who opposed tabling said they preferred to proceed with amended text; proponents of tabling said additional drafting and local-government input were needed.

Ending: The bill is tabled in committee and will not advance from this meeting; sponsors and staff indicated potential to revise language and return in a future committee meeting or address issues in conference if resurrected later in the process.