MN HF3828

Establishes a property tax credit equal to 100 percent of net taxes payable for land classified as riparian buffers under Minnesota Statutes section 103F.48 that are not enrolled in income-producing conservation programs.

Requires landowners to file an application with the county assessor by April 1 (or June 30, 2016 for 2017 taxes) and submit an affidavit every three years verifying the buffer is maintained according to state requirements.

Prohibits assessors from reducing land values due to riparian buffer use restrictions under section 103F.48.

Authorizes reimbursement of tax reductions to local taxing jurisdictions (except school districts) in two equal installments on October 31 and December 26, with school district reimbursements handled through the commissioner of education.

Appropriates sufficient funds annually from the clean water fund to the commissioner of revenue and commissioner of education to cover reimbursements, effective for taxes payable in 2017 for buffer land bordering public waters and 2018 for other qualifying buffer land.