Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Agriculture and Environment, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-02

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill allows nonprofit and private conservation organizations that hold agricultural, horticultural, or forestland to have that property taxed at present-use value (a lower tax rate based on current agricultural/forest use rather than potential development value). It also allows property with conservation easements to maintain present-use value tax status even after being transferred to a new owner, as long as the easement requirements are met.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill incentivizes land conservation by making it more affordable for conservation organizations to purchase and hold land for preservation purposes.
• •By reducing the tax burden on conservation-held property, the bill encourages the protection of agricultural and forestland from development, which benefits environmental preservation, farmland protection, and rural character while supporting the missions of land trusts and similar organizations.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue this bill reduces tax revenue for local governments and schools that depend on property tax income, potentially shifting the tax burden to other property owners.
• •They may also express concern that the bill could be used to circumvent standard property tax assessments or that it provides tax advantages to certain organizations that individual landowners would not receive under the same circumstances.