Bill > S1786

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 61A of the General Laws to provide a 5-year property tax exemption for structures and buildings that are essential to the operation of lands actively devoted to commercial agriculture, aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture, or viticulture, and are constructed or reconstructed after July 1, 2015. The exemption applies to structures and buildings used directly for raising and producing agricultural and horticultural commodities, storing these commodities, processing them, or retailing them. The exemption also applies to structures used to provide housing for regular and essential employees, as well as those used for training and exercising horses in connection with agricultural and horticultural operations. The bill outlines the application process for the exemption and the conditions for its continuation or termination, including the imposition of "roll-back taxes" if the land or buildings are converted to non-agricultural or non-horticultural use during the exemption period.