This bill amends subsection 8 of section 57-02-27.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the valuation and assessment of agricultural lands. The key change involves the criteria that local assessors must consider when determining the relative value of assessment parcels. Specifically, the bill inserts a new consideration that emphasizes the "actual use of the property for cropland or noncropland purposes by the owner of the parcel," which is now prioritized over soil type and classification data. The previous language that listed the actual use of the property as a consideration has been deleted, indicating a shift in the assessment focus.

The bill also stipulates that if a local assessor or township board of equalization establishes an agricultural value that significantly deviates from the estimate provided by the county director of tax equalization, they must provide written evidence to support this change. The effective date for this amendment is set for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 57-02-27.2
Adopted by the House Agriculture Committee: 57-02-27.2
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 57-02-27.2