HB3018 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB097 08799 HLH 48929 b

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB3018

Introduced 2/23/2011, by Rep. Michael W. Tryon

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

35 ILCS 200/10-167

Amends the Property Tax Code concerning the valuation of land encumbered by conservation rights. Provides that land that is certified by the Department of Natural Resources as contributing to the groundwater recharge potential of certain aquifers is considered to provide a demonstrated public benefit. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IMPACT NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning revenue.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Property Tax Code is amended by changing Section 10-167 as follows:

(35 ILCS 200/10-167)

Sec. 10-167. Definition of public benefit; certification.

(a) A conservation right on land shall be considered to provide a demonstrated public benefit if the Department of Natural Resources certifies that it protects in perpetuity at least one of the following:

(1) Land providing a regular opportunity for public access to outdoor recreation or outdoor education.

(2) Land preserving habitat for State or federal endangered or threatened species or federal candidate species as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR 424.02).

(3) Land identified in the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory.

(4) Land determined to be eligible for registration under Section 16 of the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act.

(5) Land contributing to the ecological viability of a park, conservation area, nature preserve, or other high quality native terrestrial or aquatic area that is publicly owned or otherwise protected.

(6) Land included in, or consistent with a federal, State, regional, or local government policy or plan for the conservation of wildlife habitat or open space, for the restoration or protection of lakes and streams, or for the protection of scenic areas.

(7) Land contributing to the groundwater recharge potential of an aquifer, if the land is located in a county where groundwater aquifers have been adequately mapped and identified as aquifers where recharge potential is essential because the adequacy of groundwater is at risk, as determined by the Illinois State Geological Survey or the Illinois State Water Survey.

(b) The person liable for taxes on the land shall submit an application to the Department of Natural Resources requesting certification that the land meets one of the criteria established in subsection (a). The application shall be in a form furnished by the Department of Natural Resources. Within 30 days of receipt of a complete and correct application for certification, the Department of Natural Resources shall determine whether the land encumbered by a conservation right provides a demonstrated public benefit and shall inform the applicant in writing of the decision.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.