SF1269

SF1269 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program credit for certain acres establishment and appropriation

Related bill: HF363

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 1269 is a proposed law that introduces a tax credit for property owners in Minnesota who participate in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. This credit is specifically available for properties classified as 2a or 2b, and located in certain counties. Property owners can earn a $5 credit for each acre that is certified under this program.

The local county auditors are responsible for calculating how much tax reduction each eligible property should receive annually and must report these amounts to the state's Commissioner of Revenue. Adjustments from previous years are also to be reported.

The tax credits are used to reduce the local property taxes owed by the property owner, and the money lost by local taxing jurisdictions, including school districts, due to these tax credits, will be reimbursed by the state. Reimbursements are funded by money appropriated from the state's general fund to the relevant state commissioners (Commissioner of Revenue for local jurisdictions, Commissioner of Education for school districts).

In essence, this bill aims to provide financial incentives to agricultural property owners to enhance water quality through certified practices, while also ensuring that local taxing jurisdictions are not financially impacted by the tax credits.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 12, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 12, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Taxes
March 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: Amended, No recommendation, re-referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy
March 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added
March 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author stricken

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new classification added for properties under the agricultural water quality certification program."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section establishes classification for agricultural properties eligible for water quality credits.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "273.13 subdivision 23"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Clarifies certification process for agricultural properties eligible for water quality credits.",
      "modified": [
        "Certification process is referenced to existing sections, ensuring standard procedure."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "17.9891 to 17.993"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Specifies requirements for certifications related to tax credit adjustments.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments and certifications for tax data are aligned with existing standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "270C.85 subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Describes proportional reduction of tax payable using credit under this section for local jurisdictions.",
      "modified": [
        "References and aligns tax capacity reduction process with this section."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "273.1393"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Establishes reimbursement process for school districts on tax reductions from water quality credits.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns school district reimbursement process with this section."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "273.1392"
  }
]