Bill to Prohibit Counties From Requiring Soil Erosion Permits Awaits Gov's Signature

Counties couldn’t force farmers to get a permit and pay a fee to do work on their own land under a bill that’s headed to the governor.

That work includes clearing fence rows, installing irrigation or uprooting trees – anything that disturbs the soil that isn’t plowing or tilling.

State Representative Brett Roberts sponsored the bill and says farmers shouldn’t have to cut through red tape to perform regular maintenance on their property.

Roberts doesn’t know of any counties now that are requiring farmers to get a permit but he knows of a few who want to put a permit process in place.

The legislation passed the House in September and cleared the Senate Wednesday.

The measure now awaits the governor’s signature.