MN HF4395

Creates a property tax credit of $50 per acre for agricultural land converted to riparian buffers required under Minnesota Statutes section 103F.48, subdivision 3.

Eligible land must have been classified as tillable (2a) in the year prior to conversion, be identified on a buffer-protection map, and not be enrolled in other conservation programs providing income or subject to enforcement actions.

Landowners must file applications with the county auditor, with April 1 deadline for following year effectiveness (extended through June 15, 2018 for 2019 tax year).

County auditors certify tax reductions to the commissioner of revenue, who reimburses local taxing jurisdictions in two equal installments on October 31 and December 26, with school districts reimbursed 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 2019.