The bill amends RCW 84.34.108 to exempt land classified under current use from additional taxes when sold or transferred to a governmental entity under specific conditions. It introduces new provisions that allow for such exemptions if the governmental entity is a local jurisdiction and the transfer is intended to meet conditions that enable the landowner to develop the property for uses eligible for classification under the chapter. The governmental entity must retain the land in an appropriate classification or use it for infrastructure supporting eligible activities, and the total acreage removed from classification due to development and transfer cannot exceed 20% of the total classified land.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the additional tax, applicable interest, and penalties will not be imposed if the removal of classification is due to various circumstances, including transfers to government entities that manage the land similarly to designated forestland or timberland. The bill also specifies that the governmental entity must provide a timber management plan or notice of intent to manage the land, with updates required at least once per revaluation cycle. Overall, the legislation aims to facilitate land transfers to governmental entities while maintaining the integrity of land classifications and tax exemptions.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 84.34.108
Substitute bill: 84.34.108