California Land Conservation “Williamson” Act Program Modification Pursuant to Government Code Section 51244(b)

In July 2011, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1265 which amended Section 51244 of the California Government Code. The change authorized counties to reduce the terms of “Williamson” Act and Farmland Security Zone contracts to 9 and 18 years respectively, resulting in a 10% reduction in the landowners’ property tax relief. The legislation was to expire on January 1, 2016; however, in September 2014, the State Legislature amended Section 51244 to eliminate the expiration date and allow a jurisdiction to implement the contract reductions in any year that subvention funds are not received.