Relating to the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.

SB 2970 amends Texas law to strengthen the Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, directly affecting farmers, ranchers, and landowners seeking to protect agricultural land. The bill defines "agricultural conservation easements" to specifically include protecting water quality, wildlife habitats, rare plants, and preventing land fragmentation. It requires the program to prioritize grant applications for land at risk of development or subdivision, using a scoring system that evaluates watershed integrity and habitat protection. The changes give the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department more authority to manage the program, including setting fees, accepting donations, and ensuring easements align with conservation goals.