Bill > H1610

This bill allows municipalities in Massachusetts to provide tax abatements or forgiveness for properties that have been contaminated by oil or hazardous materials. Specifically, the bill permits municipalities to: 1) Enter into agreements with property owners to abate property taxes for up to 7 years if the property has been subject to a release of oil or hazardous materials, the owner does not qualify as an "eligible person" under the state's hazardous waste laws, and the owner agrees to conduct the necessary assessment, containment, and removal of the contaminants in order to redevelop the property. 2) Forgive all or part of the principal and interest owed on delinquent property taxes for prospective purchasers who initiate and complete a state-approved hazardous waste cleanup plan for properties deemed to be abandoned or "brownfields." 3) Enter into agreements with property owners to fix the property's assessed value at the last pre-cleanup assessment for up to 7 years, provided the cleanup has been approved by the state. The bill requires municipalities to notify the state environmental and revenue departments within 30 days of granting any such tax relief.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1610