House backs amendment requiring condemning authority to pay Greenbelt rollback taxes

The Utah House passed an amended Farm Assessment Act change (House Bill 130) requiring a condemning authority to pay rollback taxes when property assessed under Greenbelt is acquired by eminent domain. The measure, described by sponsors as a way to make taxing entities whole, passed on the floor with a recorded vote of 49 affirmative and 15 negative.

Supporters argued the amendment protects property owners who did not choose to sell but were compelled to give up land through eminent domain; Representative Fox said the bill takes the "insult from injury" by removing the burden of rollback taxes from owners who did not voluntarily sell. Proponents emphasized the emotional and financial disruption of condemnation and said placing the rollback obligation on the acquiring agency was fair and would make school districts and taxing entities whole.

Opponents and several members raised concerns that the bill shifts costs to state agencies (including DOT or school districts that use eminent domain), could raise constitutional questions, and might create a preference for governmental buyers over private buyers if Greenbelt status remained favorable to owners. Representative Wilson and others detailed technical issues about fairness and the possible need for a revised fiscal note; Representative Milton declared a conflict of interest and argued the state should not assume payment obligations owners agreed to when entering Greenbelt arrangements.

Following amendment, passage, and recorded vote, the bill will be referred to the Senate for its further action.