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Bill

HF 1729

Private sale of certain tax-forfeited land authorized.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liish Kozlowski and 2 co-sponsors

HF 1729 allows Minnesota counties to privately sell tax-forfeited land rather than restricting sales to public purposes, prioritizing revenue generation over potential public use.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 1729

Legislative bill overview

HF 1729 authorizes the private sale of certain tax-forfeited land in Minnesota, rather than requiring these properties to remain in public ownership or be sold through standard state processes. The bill would modify how counties handle land that has been forfeited to the state due to unpaid property taxes.

Why is this important

Tax-forfeited land represents significant public assets in Minnesota. The policy determines whether these properties serve public purposes (conservation, parks, affordable housing) or generate revenue through private sales, and affects both local government finances and land use patterns in communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Public asset disposition: Whether converting tax-forfeited land to private ownership serves the public interest or loses opportunities for community benefit and environmental protection
  • County revenue vs. public purpose: The tension between maximizing short-term revenue from land sales versus preserving land for future public needs or conservation
  • Accountability and transparency: Concerns about whether private sale processes maintain adequate public oversight compared to traditional public land disposition methods
  • Environmental and land use impacts: How removing restrictions on tax-forfeited land affects regional conservation goals, climate resilience, and community planning

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

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