THIRTEENTH WEEK OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The legislature took several steps toward adjournment this week. The Senate advanced its budget bills out of committee; however, these proposals largely reflect the governor’s recommendations and will still need to be negotiated with the House.
The Senate also passed its version of property tax reform. Significant differences remain between the Senate and House approaches, meaning further negotiations will be required to reach a final agreement.
The House released several of its own budget proposals. With fewer than two weeks remaining until the planned adjournment, activity at the Capitol is accelerating and key decisions are expected in the days ahead.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Following a successful week for ISC, several key priorities made progress at the Capitol. The Senate unanimously passed a bill setting the lifetime fur harvester license fee at $5. In the
House, the Ways & Means Subcommittee advanced a bill related to the forest reserve program, though significant reforms are still expected as the process moves forward.
ISC worked closely with Rep. Jason Gearhart to incorporate accountability measures into the forest reserve program while preserving the existing tax exemption.
The House & Senate Agriculture/DNR budget includes $900,000 for buffer strips, and includes funding for other water quality and conservation programs. With a few weeks remaining, ISC will continue to push our priorities towards passage.
BILL TRACKER
** New Information highlighted in yellow**
**Bills ISC supports are in green**
**Bills ISC opposes are in red**
**Bills ISC is monitoring are in blue**
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Forest Reserve Legislation Moves Forward – Changes Ahead
The House Ways & Means Committee held a subcommittee on SF 633, a bill making changes to the forest reserve program. During the interim, ISC, among other conservation groups worked with Rep. Jason Gearhart on a different version that puts additional accountability measures in while maintaining the tax exempt status. Our plan is to amend SF 633, with the amendment outline below.
SF 633 would establish a new tax on land enrolled in the Forest Reserve Program, structured based on the landowner’s residency:
• $2 per acre for landowners who live in the same county as the property
• $3 per acre for landowners who live outside the county
• Approximately $10 per acre for nonresidents, based on a formula in the bill
Potential Amendment
• Establishes a new forest and fruit-tree preservation program beginning in 2027, replacing the current program, which sunsets in 2032.
• Provides a 10-year property tax exemption for qualifying land used for conservation, forest health, or wildlife habitat, with no maximum acreage for forest reservations.
• Sets eligibility standards, including minimum acreage, tree density requirements, and restrictions on development or non-conservation uses.
• Requires an application process, conservation plan, and at least one inspection during the 10-year term to ensure compliance.
• Imposes strict penalties for early withdrawal or violations, including repayment of back taxes with interest and potential permanent disqualification from the program.
We believe this helps keeps the bad actors out that legislators bring up as a reason to get rid of the program while maintaining a strong and healthy forest reserve program. Talk to you legislators, especially if they are on House Ways & Means and urge them to adopt Rep. Gearhart’s amendment to the forest reserve bill.
Link to legislator forums across the state. Stop by and talk to your legislators about ISC issues!
https://www.brownwinick.com/iapoliticalevents
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME!
Phil Jeneary
