2003 House Bill 4217

Introduced in the House

Feb. 13, 2003

Introduced by Rep. Gene DeRossett (R-52)

To allow farmland to be subject to an “open space easement” (which gives the owner lower property taxes in return for foregoing future development), and still be improved with structures used for farming, including a house for the farmer. The bill would change the definition of "open space land" in an existing development rights easement law to include farmland, defined to include structures needed for farming. This law makes the value of the development rights exempt from property tax, but it now applies only to land with no structures.

Referred to the Committee on Land Use and Environment