Authorizes State Agriculture Development Committee to maintain and use its own list of property appraisers, or to employ dedicated pool of property appraisers, or both, to facilitate valuation of land for farmland preservation purposes.
Impact
Through the establishment of a qualified list or pool of appraisers, A2923 is expected to streamline the valuation process and encourage more landowners to engage in preservation activities. Historically, the committee relied on appraisers’ lists maintained by the Department of Environmental Protection, which lacked specialization in farmland valuation. By allowing direct control over appraiser selection, the bill aims to improve appraisal accuracy and expedite the process of land acquisition for preservation, hence supporting broader agricultural conservation efforts.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2923 proposes significant amendments to the process of land valuation for farmland preservation by introducing the option for the State Agriculture Development Committee to maintain its own list of approved property appraisers. The bill allows this committee to employ dedicated property appraisers or create a pool from which state and local entities can select appraisers specializing in agricultural property for valuation purposes. The intention behind this move is to enhance the responsiveness of the appraisal process in alignment with ongoing farmland preservation initiatives, which are becoming increasingly vital as agricultural land faces development pressures.
Contention
While the bill aims to create a more efficient pathway to farmland preservation, some concerns may arise regarding the implications of selecting appraisers who may be perceived as aligned with the interests of the committee or state goals. There are potential worries about transparency and the integrity of the appraisal process, especially if the appraisers established under this bill do not adhere to strict independent standards. Additionally, critics may highlight the risk of reduced oversight and accountability in the valuation process, which could lead to disparities in how farmland easement values are assessed across different regions.
Carry Over
Authorizes State Agriculture Development Committee to maintain and use its own list of property appraisers, or to employ dedicated pool of property appraisers, or both, to facilitate valuation of land for farmland preservation purposes.