This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 273.124, subdivision 14, to expand the definition of qualified relatives for special agricultural homestead classification. The bill introduces new legal language that allows a grandparent, stepchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or stepparent to be included as qualified relatives who can actively farm the agricultural property, in addition to the existing criteria. The bill also clarifies that agricultural property can be classified as the owner's homestead if it meets specific criteria, including the size of the property and residency requirements for the owner and the person actively farming the land.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that homesteads classified under these provisions will maintain their classification despite changes in adjoining property uses, provided ownership and agricultural use value criteria are met. The effective date for these changes is set for the assessment year 2026. Overall, the bill aims to support agricultural landowners by broadening the eligibility for homestead classification, thereby potentially reducing their property tax burden.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 273.124