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Bill

A 154

Provides a real property tax exemption to agricultural lands that are used for certain purposes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 10 co-sponsors

Creates a real property tax exemption for agricultural lands used for qualifying farming activities, cutting taxes for farmers and promoting farmland preservation.

REFERRED TO REAL PROPERTY TAXATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 154

Summary: Bill A 154 — Real Property Tax Exemption for Agricultural Lands Used for Certain Purposes

Overview

Bill A 154 proposes a real property tax exemption for agricultural lands that are used for specified agricultural purposes. The bill is in the early stage of the legislative process, having been introduced on January 8, 2025 and referred to the Real Property Taxation committee. The primary sponsor is Joe Angelino, with a broad group of cosponsors.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create property tax relief for owners of agricultural land by exempting portions of real property tax for parcels used for defined agricultural activities.
  • Aims to support farmland preservation and agricultural production by reducing the ongoing financial burden on landowners.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and status)

  • The bill would authorize a real property tax exemption for parcels classified as agricultural land, provided the land is used for certain qualifying agricultural purposes.
  • Specific qualifying uses, eligibility criteria, exemption amount (e.g., full or partial exemption), and any caps or sunset provisions would be defined in the full text.
  • The exemption would likely involve an application or certification process overseen by local tax assessors and would specify documentation required to establish eligibility.
  • The bill would outline administrative responsibilities for assessors and the process by which landowners could claim or renew the exemption.
  • Other potential considerations (to be detailed in the full text) may include fiduciary impact on local tax bases, compliance standards, and any annual renewal requirements.

Note: The exact definitions of “certain purposes,” the exemption level, eligibility thresholds, and administrative procedures are not included in the summary provided. The full text would clarify these specifics.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Owners of land classified as agricultural property who use the land for the qualifying agricultural purposes.
  • Local governments: Assessors, county/town tax offices, and school districts (depending on local tax structure) could see changes in property tax revenues.
  • Agricultural sector: Farmers and agribusinesses that own qualifying farmland may experience reduced carrying costs, potentially influencing land use decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Real Property Taxation (two entries listed, indicating initial committee referral).
  • Legislative sponsorship: Joe Angelino is the primary sponsor; multiple cosponsors listed (including Scott H. Bendett, John Lemondes, Brian Manktelow, Angelo J. Morinello, Chris Tague, Joe DeStefano, Karl Brabenec, David McDonough, Brian D. Miller, Michael Durso).
  • Related bills: A 2350, A 2426, A 3625, A 3604, A 6048, A 911, A 1791, A 5306, and A 2380 from prior sessions indicate ongoing interest in agricultural land tax relief, suggesting a broader policy interest and potential for similar provisions across sessions.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Fiscal: A real property tax exemption would reduce tax revenue for local governments unless offset by state funding or broader tax base changes.
  • Economic/land use: Could incentivize retaining farmland in agricultural use and reduce the incentive to convert land to non-agricultural development.
  • Administration: Requires clear eligibility criteria and robust verification to prevent misuse and ensure consistent application across municipalities.
  • Policy considerations: Fairness, geographic equity, and alignment with broader farmland preservation goals would likely be examined in committee deliberations.

Next Steps

  • Monitor the Real Property Taxation committee for hearings, amendments, and potential passage.
  • Review the full text upon release to understand precise eligibility criteria, exemption amounts, application requirements, and any sunset provisions.

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

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