Proposes constitutional amendment to increase additional taxes owed when farmland property is not used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.
Impact
Should this amendment be approved, it will significantly alter the financial responsibilities of farmland owners, leading to potentially increased revenue for local governments as they will collect more in taxes from properties that revert to non-farming uses. The change aims to ensure that properties are maintained in agricultural use, as owners would face heightened financial consequences for inaction regarding farming operations. This could promote continued agricultural activity but might also pressure some owners to sell or develop their lands for other uses.
Summary
SCR47 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of additional property taxes owed by owners of farmland that is no longer actively used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. Currently, if farmland ceases to be used for these purposes, the owners are required to pay additional taxes covering the first year of inactivity and the preceding two years. This amendment seeks to extend the period for which these additional taxes are applied from two years to a total of ten years, essentially increasing the tax liability for owners who allow their farmland to become inactive.
Contention
There are likely to be contentious discussions surrounding SCR47. Supporters argue that this amendment will protect agricultural lands from being neglected and will also support local tax revenues which can fund community services. However, opponents may argue that this policy could unfairly burden landowners who face unforeseen circumstances that could necessitate a cessation of farming activities. The debate may also highlight the balance between state interests in preserving farmland for agricultural use versus private property rights, making it a complex issue with various stakeholders involved.
Prohibits condemnation of farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production for purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production.
Prohibits condemnation of farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production for purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.