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H 3212

An Act relative to ensuring fairness and equity in the assessment of the value of property

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 3 co-sponsors

Allows assessors to enter non-building property areas with notice to collect data for fair cash value, following standards, with liability limits.

Hearing scheduled for 11/07/2025 from 10:00 AM-02:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · H 3212

Summary of H.3212: An Act relative to ensuring fairness and equity in the assessment of the value of property

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends Chapter 59 to promote fairness and accuracy in how property is valued for property tax purposes.
  • Specifically, it authorizes on-site data collection by assessors to support proper determination of fair cash value for the fiscal year tax roll, aligning with Department of Revenue requirements and USPAP standards.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amendment: Section 2A of Chapter 59 is amended by adding a new subsection (d).
  • Authority to enter property: The assessor or his/her authorized agents or employees may enter upon property, lands, waters, and premises (not including buildings) after reasonable notice, to collect physical and functional data relevant to determining fair cash value.
  • Standards and compliance: Entries must be conducted in accordance with the Department of Revenue’s requirements and USPAP-recognized appraisal techniques.
  • Trespass and liability: Such entry shall not be deemed a trespass. The provision does not relieve the assessor of liability for any damage caused by entry.
  • Scope limitation: The provision expressly excludes entry into building interiors.

Who would be affected

  • Massachusetts assessors and their authorized agents or employees, who would gain explicit authority to enter properties for data collection.
  • Property owners and landowners (including those with lands and waters adjacent to or associated with their property) who may be subject to on-site data collection activities.
  • The Department of Revenue and appraisal professionals who follow USPAP for valuation practices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative path: Referred to the Committee on Revenue; Senate concurred.
  • Related action: House Docket No. 3954 (House Bill 3212) and related prior filing (HD 2728 in 2023-2024) are noted as related matters.
  • Hearing schedule:
    • Hearing scheduled for November 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.
    • Prior hearings were canceled and rescheduled (noting a July 22, 2025 hearing originally on the calendar).
  • Status: Active in the 2025-2026 session with a scheduled public hearing; the bill is part of the ongoing consideration of assessment fairness.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive: Aims to improve accuracy and equity in property valuations by enabling on-site data collection essential for fair cash value determinations.
  • Privacy and property rights: The notice requirement and restriction to non-building areas are intended to protect property rights, though on-site access may still raise concerns for some owners.
  • Accountability: The liability clause ensures property owners have recourse for damages arising from entry.

Additional notes

  • The bill is identified as HD 3954 in related materials and is described as replacing prior related measures (House 2728 of 2023-2024).
  • This summary reflects the version content provided and the legislative actions listed, including the hearing schedule and committee referral.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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