HF632

This proposed bill aims to alter the way property taxes are assessed for lands that have conservation restrictions or easements in Minnesota. Basically, the bill stipulates that the value of such properties cannot be reduced by tax assessors if the easement or restriction is officially recorded and the property adheres to the terms of that restriction. However, there are exceptions where this rule won't apply. These exceptions include properties with conservation efforts focused on water control in riparian buffers near bodies of water, properties located in certain counties with voter-approved conservation programs, and properties in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties where local resolutions allow assessors to adjust values based on the impact of the conservation restrictions. This bill also specifies that properties with conservation agreements made before May 23, 2013, are exempt from this rule.