The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 273.117, to allow for property tax valuation reductions on certain properties that have conservation restrictions or easements. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that define eligible properties, including those with conservation easements covering riparian buffers for water control, easements in counties with programs to protect farmland and natural areas, and easements in both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties that have authorized assessors to consider the impact of these restrictions on property value.

Additionally, the bill makes technical corrections to the existing language, replacing terms for clarity and updating the structure of the section. It specifies that these changes will take effect for the assessment year 2026 and thereafter, ensuring that property owners with qualifying conservation easements can benefit from reduced valuations starting in that year.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 273.117