1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to taxation; property; reinstating valuation reductions for conservation 
1.3 	easements;amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 273.117.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2016, 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 and is recorded on the 
1.10 	property; and
1.11 	(b) the property is being used in accordance with the terms of the conservation restriction 
1.12 	or easement.
1.13 	~~This section does not apply to (1) conservation restrictions or easements covering riparian~~ 
1.14 	~~buffers along lakes, rivers, and streams that are used for water quantity or quality control;~~ 
1.15 	~~(2) easements in a county that has adopted, by referendum, a program to protect farmland~~ 
1.16 	~~and natural areas since 1999; or (3) conservation restrictions or easements entered into prior~~ 
1.17 	~~to May 23, 2013.~~

1.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective beginning with assessment year 2017, 
1.19 	for taxes payable in 2018.