The "Forestry Parity Act" aims to provide equitable legal treatment for forestry operations similar to that of agricultural activities, emphasizing the ecological and economic significance of forests. Key provisions include protections for forest landowners against nuisance actions and excessive state regulations, as well as the introduction of definitions for "forestry vehicles" and a registration process for these vehicles, allowing them to utilize special farm plates. The act also updates the classification of tangible personal property for taxation to include forestry machinery and equipment, ensuring that forestry operations receive comparable tax treatment to agricultural operations. Notably, the bill inserts a new section, 44-5-42.2, which exempts all machinery used in forestry product operations from taxation, including motor vehicles with farm plates. Additionally, the bill amends existing tax exemption laws to clarify definitions related to manufacturing and consumption, while introducing various exemptions for specific goods and services, including those related to forestry operations. It allows municipalities to tax buildings used for forestry operations based on actual service costs and establishes that forest product operations are permitted in all zoning districts, barring public health or safety restrictions. The legislation aims to streamline tax regulations, support the forestry industry, and promote responsible land use and conservation efforts, with the act set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5098: 42-64-5, 44-5-12.1, 44-18-30, 44-27-1, 45-24-37