AGRICULTURAL PROTECTION AREAS – Amends and adds to existing law to revise the Agricultural Protection Area Act.

This bill revises Idaho's Agricultural Protection Area Act to create a more structured system for protecting farmland. It requires counties to establish ordinances by January 2025 allowing landowners with at least 5 acres of active agricultural land (used for 3 consecutive years) to voluntarily join a protection area for a minimum of 20 years. The bill prohibits non-agricultural development (like homes or factories) within these areas unless it directly supports farming, and establishes a county-run fund to provide financial incentives to participating landowners. Landowners may also request removal due to specific hardships, such as financial emergencies or legal issues, without needing to rezone or amend land-use plans.