SB 179 Summary

• Prohibits municipalities and the state from levying sales or use taxes on the transfer of real property, with an exception for ordinances adopted before the effective date

• Removes voter approval requirement for municipal farm land and farm structure tax exemptions, and simplifies eligibility criteria to require $2,500 in annual agricultural product sales and IRS Schedule F filing instead of 10 percent income threshold

• Requires municipalities to employ assessors with level 3 certification from the Alaska Association of Assessing Officers or to work under supervision of a certified assessor, effective January 1, 2026

• Establishes state assessment standards based on International Association of Assessing Officers guidelines and allows assessments to be determined by municipal ordinance standards as an alternative

• Allows boards of equalization to be appointed or selected through municipal ordinance, permits virtual or telephonic meetings with assessors, and prevents assessment increases unless requested by the appellant