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H 3130

An Act to promote urban agriculture and horticulture

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 6 co-sponsors

Bill H 3130 offers up to 100% tax exemptions for urban farms under 2 acres with $500 in sales, boosting local agriculture and reducing costs for farmers in Massachusetts.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 3130

Summary of Bill H 3130: An Act to Promote Urban Agriculture and Horticulture

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3130 aims to promote urban agriculture and horticulture within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to encourage the use of land for agricultural purposes in urban areas by providing tax exemptions for properties engaged in agricultural and horticultural activities.

Key Provisions

  • Tax Exemption: The bill proposes an amendment to Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the General Laws, allowing for a tax exemption of up to 100% of the assessed value of real estate used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • The property must be less than 2 acres in size.
    • The gross sales from agricultural or horticultural products must total at least $500 in the previous year.
  • Local Acceptance: The exemption will only take effect in cities or towns that accept this provision. Eligible municipalities must have a population of at least 50,000 or qualify as a gateway municipality as defined in Section 3A of Chapter 23A.
  • Local Authority: The legislative body of the accepting city or town will have the authority to:
    • Establish and modify the percentage of assessed value exempt from taxation.
    • Determine if rooftop and container farm operations qualify for the exemption.

Affected Parties

  • Urban Farmers and Horticulturists: Individuals and businesses engaged in urban agriculture and horticulture will benefit from the tax exemptions, potentially reducing their operational costs.
  • Municipal Governments: Cities and towns will have the option to adopt this legislation, impacting local tax revenues and land use policies.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Committee Actions:
    • Referred to the Committee on Revenue on the same day.
    • A hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2025.
    • Reported favorably by the committee on October 22, 2025.
    • Read second and ordered to a third reading on November 13, 2025.

Conclusion

Bill H 3130 represents a significant step towards enhancing urban agriculture in Massachusetts by providing financial incentives through tax exemptions. By facilitating the growth of urban farming, the bill aims to promote local food production, improve community health, and support sustainable practices in urban settings.

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

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