Committee advances measure to eliminate Greenbelt rollback taxes after debate over fiscal and land‑use effects

Representative Butler introduced HB 18-46 to eliminate rollback taxes that can apply when land leaves Greenbelt agricultural classification. Butler said the rollback provision penalizes landowners and that counties already gain higher tax revenue when land converts to commercial or residential uses; he framed the bill as a way to reduce upfront land cost and potentially support affordable housing initiatives.

Several members pushed back. Representative Jones read concerns from a Davidson County assessor who said rollback taxes preserve fairness and prevent subsidized properties from being sold at full market rate without returning some of the public subsidy. Vice Chairman Stinnett said the Greenbelt program exists to preserve farmland and warned removing rollbacks might incentivize development. Chairman Todd asked about the program's application language and county practices; he said his county's rollback revenue ranged roughly $50,000 to $150,000 annually—"not a lot of money" but a real element of local budgets. After debate the committee voted to advance the bill to the full committee (6 ayes, 3 nays).