1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to taxation; property; reinstating valuation reductions for conservation 
1.3 	easements;amending Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 273.117.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 273.117, is amended to read:
1.6 	273.117 CONSERVATION PROPERTY TAX VALUATION.
1.7 	The value of real property which is subject to a conservation restriction or easement 
1.8 	shall not be reduced may be adjusted by the assessor if:
1.9 	(a) the restriction or easement is for a conservation purpose as defined in section 
1.10 	84.64, subdivision 2, and is recorded on the property; and
1.11 	(b) the property is being used in accordance with the terms of the conservation 
1.12 	restriction or easement.
1.13 	This section does not apply to (1) conservation restrictions or easements covering 
1.14 	riparian buffers along lakes, rivers, and streams that are used for water quantity or quality 
1.15 	control; or (2) easements in a county that has adopted, by referendum, a program to protect 
1.16 	farmland and natural areas since 1999.

1.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective beginning with assessment year 
1.18 	2014, for taxes payable in 2015.