MN HF12

Adds legislative finding that green acres and rural preserve programs should mitigate property tax impact on farmland from non-agricultural economic forces.

Simplifies rural preserve program enrollment requirements by removing the ten-acre minimum, conservation plan requirement, and eight-year minimum enrollment period; requires property to be contiguous to enrolled class 2a agricultural property under same ownership.

Eliminates requirement for property owners to sign recorded covenant agreements and removes the five-year restriction on early termination notices for rural preserve program enrollment.

Allows class 2a and 2b agricultural land removed from programs between May 21, 2008, and the effective date to be reinstated or enrolled in rural preserve program if requested by August 1, 2011, with refunds of additional taxes already paid.

Requires commissioner of revenue to study alternative assessment methods for green acres and rural preserve programs and report findings to legislature by February 15, 2012.