Bill > S1939

This bill reforms the process for payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land in Massachusetts by modifying several sections of Chapter 58 of the General Laws. The bill removes references to "reimbursement percentages" and updates the calculation method for how the state treasurer reimburses cities and towns with state-owned land. Specifically, the reimbursement will be determined by multiplying each $1,000 of land valuation by an average rate based on taxation rates from the previous three years, with a guarantee that the reimbursement will not be less than the prior year's payment (except for land removed from the valuation). Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Revenue and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to jointly develop recommendations for future amendments to the law, focusing on valuing ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, and creating more equitable reimbursement formulas. These recommendations should consider factors such as permanently protected open space, forest cover, land that provides critical environmental services, and the geographic distribution of state-owned lands. The agencies are required to hold a public hearing, accept comments, and submit their recommendations to legislative committees within one year of the act's effective date.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1939