2005 Senate Bill 192

Tax breaks for keeping farmland in agricultural use

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 10, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Jud Gilbert (R-25)

To authorize an income tax or Single Business Tax (SBT) credit based on the property tax rates for the owner of agricultural land who enters a 20-year contract with the state in which he or she agrees to keep the land in agriculture, and not to divide or develop it. The program would only be available if the local government adopts it and also has a "comprehensive land use plan." A landowner could withdraw from the program after 10 or 15 years upon payment of a fee which approximates the tax savings.

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism