Bill > H3970

This bill modifies the tax treatment of recreational lands in the town of Belmont, Massachusetts, by exempting the town from certain state laws (specifically sections 2, 2A, and chapter 61B of the General Laws) that govern the valuation, assessment, and taxation of recreational land after July 1, 2025. Currently, these state laws allow landowners to apply for special tax rates for recreational lands, but under this bill, the Town of Belmont Board of Assessors will no longer accept or process such applications after the specified date. However, the bill maintains that other provisions of chapter 61B, including rules about changes in land use, taxation upon property transfer, and roll-back taxes, will continue to apply to lands that were previously assessed as recreational land in Belmont. The bill essentially gives Belmont more local control over how it assesses and taxes recreational lands, removing the state's standardized approach for this specific type of property within the town's jurisdiction.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3970