An Act relative to a municipality’s right of first refusal of agricultural and recreational land

This bill extends the timeframes for towns in Massachusetts to decide whether to purchase agricultural and recreational land before it is sold to a private buyer. Under current rules, municipalities must choose to buy or pass on such land within 90 days, but this legislation increases that deadline to 120 days. Additionally, the bill requires landowners to send their purchase offers to towns within 30 days of signing a contract, ensuring local governments have adequate time to review and act. The law also clarifies that towns are not obligated to buy properties that do not meet specific agricultural or recreational classifications. These changes directly affect local governments and landowners involved in the sale of protected lands.