Agricultural riparian buffer property tax exemption established, and reimbursement to taxing jurisdictions required.

HF 1680 establishes a property tax exemption for agricultural riparian buffers (vegetation zones along waterways) on specific land classes (2a/2b) in Minnesota, directly affecting landowners who maintain these buffers. To qualify, landowners must apply through county assessors and comply with buffer requirements under section 103F.48, verified by soil and water conservation districts. The bill requires the state to reimburse local governments and school districts for lost property tax revenue caused by the exemption, calculated annually and paid in two installments. Reimbursements are funded from the state general fund, starting in 2026 for property tax exemptions and 2027 for school districts.