CT SB01497

Creates a 20% tax credit for eligible farmers who purchase farm investment property (machinery, equipment, buildings) acquired on or after January 1, 2026, with recapture provisions if property is not held for 3-5 years in agricultural use

Increases farm machinery property tax exemption from $100,000 to $250,000 assessed value, effective October 1, 2025, and allows municipalities to provide additional exemptions up to $250,000 for machinery and $500,000 per eligible farm building

Establishes the Farmers' Crop Loss Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse farmers for losses from significant acute weather events, and the Manure Management Grant Program to support best practices in manure management

Provides civil liability immunity for agritourism providers for injuries resulting from inherent risks of agritourism activities (such as you-pick operations, corn mazes, hay rides), except in cases of negligence, willful conduct, or criminal acts

Requires regulations by March 1, 2026 to authorize use of drones for applying pesticides and fertilizers to crops by FAA-licensed operators who are also licensed pesticide applicators, and exempts agricultural hoop houses/high tunnels from building code permitting requirements