An Act relative to ensuring fairness and equity in the assessment of the value of property

This bill (HD 3954) allows Massachusetts property assessors to legally enter land and water on a property (excluding buildings) to collect data for tax valuation, after providing reasonable notice. It specifically permits this entry without it being considered trespassing, provided assessors follow Department of Revenue rules and nationally recognized appraisal standards. The law clarifies that assessors remain liable for any damage caused during such entry. This directly affects property owners in Massachusetts by changing the process for how tax valuations are conducted.