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House adopts substitute bill revising Farmland Assessment rules amid broad conflict disclosures
Summary
The House passed substitute Senate Bill 45, a recast of farmland assessment law intended to correct abuses in Greenbelt classification; the floor adopted pink‑sheet amendments and numerous members disclosed conflicts of interest before a final 71–1 vote.
The Utah House passed substitute Senate Bill 45, a revenue and taxation measure updating farmland-assessment rules intended to correct abuses in the Farmland Assessment Act.
Representative Olson explained the substitute and floor (pink‑sheet) amendments, saying the changes respond to a study group including producers, county assessors, county attorneys, the tax commission and university economists. He said the bill ‘‘corrects abuses’’ and is supported by counties and agricultural interests.
Before debate and final passage many members disclosed conflicts of interest noting they or family members hold property in Greenbelt assessment status; the Speaker then asked members to stand so names could be recorded. Representative Stevens, Representative Valentine, Representative Wright and others publicly stated conflicts and the roll was taken to note affected members.
After adoption of the floor amendments, the House voted on the substitute as amended; the bill passed with 71 affirmative votes and 1 negative. The House referred the bill to the Senate for its further consideration and noted the bill had been amended and thus requires transmittal back to the originating chamber.
