§ 11-2-110. PROPERTY TAX CREDIT FOR CONSERVATION LAND.

(a)

Definitions.

(1)

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)

"Conservation land" means real property that is:

(i)

Subject to a perpetual conservation easement donated to a land trust on or after July 1, 1991; or

(ii)

1.

Acquired by a land trust on or after July 1, 1991; and

2.

Owned in fee by that land trust.

(3)

"Land trust" means a qualified conservation organization as defined in § 3-2A-01 of the Natural Resources Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The term includes Neighborspace of Baltimore County, Inc.

(b)

Established. There is a tax credit from all county real property taxes levied on conservation land that is used:

(1)

To assist in the preservation of a natural area;

(2)

For the environmental education of the public;

(3)

Generally to promote conservation;

(4)

For a community park;

(5)

To conserve agricultural land and to promote continued agricultural use of the land; or

(6)

For the maintenance of:

(i)

A natural area for public use; or

(ii)

A sanctuary for wildlife.

(c)

Application - Date. An application for the tax credit shall be filed on or before June 1 immediately preceding the first taxable year for which the tax credit is sought.

(d)

Same - Contents. An application for the tax credit shall be:

(1)

Submitted to the Director of Budget and Finance on forms that the Director requires;

(2)

Accompanied by proof that the property meets the definition of "conservation land" and other requirements set forth in this section; and

(3)

Under oath.

(e)

Office of Budget and Finance. The Office of Budget and Finance shall:

(1)

Review each application for a tax credit; and

(2)

Certify that the property qualifies for the credit.

(f)

Duration; termination. The tax credit shall be granted for 5 years so long as the property meets the definition of "conservation land" and meets the other requirements of this section. If the perpetual conservation easement on the real property is terminated, or if the land trust sells the real property to a person other than a government agency or qualified land trust, the property owner shall be liable for:

(1)

All property taxes that the property owner would have been liable for it the property tax credit had not been granted under this section; and

(2)

Interest on those taxes.

(Bill No. 129-05, § 1, 12-5-2005)