HB 172/LM (BR 1006) - R. Nelson
AN ACT relating to forests.
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 149 to establish eligibility criteria for land to be designated as a classified forest; require an application be filed with the Division of Forestry to be designated as a classified forest and notification requirements; authorize the Division of Forestry to establish a form and requirements for applying for the classified forest designation; require the classified forest land owner to comply with a forest management plan developed by the Division of Forestry and require the landowner to make annual reports on the status of the plan; require the Division of Forestry to inspect the classified forest every five years; require the landowner to post the land identifying it as a classified forest and require the Division of Forestry to supply the signs; establish a process for withdrawing land from designation as a classified forest and require the landowner to remit any additional taxes owed on the land due to redesignation; require the Revenue Cabinet's Department of Property Valuation to develop agricultural guidelines for classified forests that are based on the property's woodland use; permit property tax revaluation to be applied to assessments on or after January 1, 2006; and cite Sections 1 to 4 as the Forest Reforestation and Economic Development Act.
HB 172 - AMENDMENTS
HCS/LM - Retain original provisions, except clarify the requirements for designation as a classified forest; clarify that an owner of land designated as a classified forest shall comply with a forest stewardship or management plan; specify that nothing contained in this Act shall limit the use of any portion of a classified forest for facilities of a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission; state that owners of land withdrawn from its designation as a classified forest shall owe 50% of the total property taxes that would have been due if the land had been assessed without the designation.
Feb 1-introduced in House
Feb 2-to Natural Resources and Environment (H)
Feb 3-reassigned to Economic Development (H)
Feb 4-posted in committee
Feb 23-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute
Feb 24-2nd reading, to Rules
Feb 25-recommitted to Appropriations and Revenue (H)
