On the Menu 03.27.26

SB 200 – Farm & Ag land assessments

SB 200 was heard Wednesday afternoon in Senate Resources. After a brief overview, members clarified that greenhouse production qualifies under both current law (if producing food for sale) and the bill (expanded to all agricultural products for sale). Marijuana remains ineligible. The committee considered three amendments, and adopted two. The first, at the request of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), delays implementation to February 1, 2027, at the request of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, aligning with existing application timelines and ongoing regulatory review (AO 360). The second, offered by Sen. Dunbar, creates an Anchorage-only opt-out. He raised concerns about the state mandating exemptions without reimbursing municipalities and emphasized local control. The conversation really dove into the governance structures of Alaska’s cities and boroughs, and feelings around mandatory exemptions coming down from the legislature. Sen. Bjorkman noted that he didn’t support the amendment, as there was some back and forth in regards to the implications for people in Anchorage, and the implications of the amendment on the whole. In the end, it was adopted unanimously. A third amendment from Sen. Kawasaki to include marijuana as farm use was held for further input from the Division of Agriculture and Department of Law, then later withdrawn. They then went to public testimony. Priscilla Mott, a farmer from Soldotna testified in support of the bill and the protection of farmland. Amy Seitz, Alaska Farm Bureau, noted that marijuana is not considered an agricultural crop at the federal level, so they don’t file a Schedule F which is a requirement of the property tax deferment. Margaret Adsit, Alaska Farmlands Trust, spoke in support of the bill and the importance of saving farm lands and farm businesses for economic development. Anna Liljedahl, farmer in Homer, testified in support of the bill and talked about the circulation of local dollars for local farms, and the challenge of  increases in property assessments in recent years. Ron Ilingworth, farmer in North Pole, shared the challenges of rising land prices and input costs and the importance of SB 200. Mimi Rooney, farmer in Palmer called in support of the bill. Sen. Bjorkman provided final words about the importance of updating this section of statute, and also his significant concerns around the Anchorage amendment and taking away current property tax deferments from farmers in the Muni. There was no further discussion, and the bill was moved from committee as amended. You can watch the hearing here. Check out our policy 101 infographic for SB 200 here.