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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 8, 2017 02:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kate A. Klunk |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Amending the Agricultural Area Security Law to Provide for Restrictions and Limitations on Preserved Farmland (HB 83 - 2012-14 Session) |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will amend the Agricultural Area Security Law to address provisions for farmland preservation. The current agricultural easement program explicitly allows for the creation of one additional farmstead residence. Sometimes, farmers do not need this additional residence and wish to further reduce the value of the property for a tax write-off or to make it easier to pass on to the next generation at a lower value. Current policy of the Department of Agriculture does not allow for the extinguishment of this right to an additional farmstead. My legislation will allow for the voluntary relinquishment of the right to construct a residence. I believe that the farmer should be allowed to exercise his or her judgment, based on individual circumstances. Additionally, the law currently provides for the subdivision of preserved farmland for the purpose of constructing a principal residence for the landowner or an immediate family member. There are situations where a residence already exists on the property, but that existing residence cannot be subdivided because it’s not being constructed. This legislation will clarify that a subdivision for the purpose of a residence is permitted, regardless of whether it exists or needs to be constructed. Former Rep. Chris Ross had legislation to address the first provision. It was most recently HB 83 in the 2013-14 Session. I would appreciate your consideration in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1550