The bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to redefine "agricultural property" and clarify the tax exemption for farm structures and improvements. It specifies that agricultural property includes both platted and unplatted lands used for raising crops or grazing animals, with certain conditions outlined for platted lands. Notably, lands platted and assessed as agricultural property before March 30, 1981, will maintain their classification unless repurposed. The bill also introduces new definitions and conditions regarding what constitutes agricultural property, including provisions for land used for the storage of harvested crops and stipulations that prevent the exclusion of certain unplatted lands from agricultural classification.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the exemption criteria for farm structures and improvements, emphasizing that only buildings used primarily for farming are exempt from taxation. It specifies that structures used for retail purposes or located on platted land within city limits are generally not exempt, with exceptions for certain storage facilities owned by farmers. The bill also outlines factors that cannot be considered when applying the exemption, ensuring that the focus remains on the agricultural use of the property. The effective date for these changes is set for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 57-02-01
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Hagert: 57-02-01, 57-02-08
Enrollment: 57-02-01, 57-02-08
PREFILED: 57-02-01