Senator Heckerman presents bill to standardize valuation of wetlands parcels

Steve Heckerman, identified in the record as ‘‘Steve Heckerman, Addison County, senator,’’ presented S.165 to the committee as a targeted bill to standardize how towns value wetland parcels. "S 165, I came up, decided to put this forward this bill forward to help get a more standardized, value for the listeners to to, mark on their on their list," Heckerman said, describing the bill’s intent to reduce variation among local assessors.

The nut graf: Heckerman said current municipal practice varies and can produce inconsistent assessments when parcels are constrained by wetlands, wildlife corridors and floodplains. S.165 would require that wetlands be listed and taxed on the same statutory basis as other real estate while explicitly directing assessing officials to account for value reductions caused by wetlands restrictions. The bill also proposes a statutory definition of wetlands that aligns with existing state law.

Committee discussion focused on the interaction between the proposed language and existing appraisal statutes and municipal practice. One committee participant read statutory guidance on appraisal value, noting it requires assessors to consider "the effect of any state or local law or regulation affecting use of land, including...land restrictions in title 10," and committee members discussed appeals processes through boards of civil authority and trial courts when assessments are contested.

Members observed the new provision overlaps with existing law and suggested drafting edits so the statute clarifies rather than duplicates or contradicts current appraisal provisions. Heckerman acknowledged the overlap and agreed that, if the committee moves forward, it may be preferable to replace or strike the older provision to avoid inconsistent interpretations.

The committee did not vote on S.165 during the session. Members said staff would review the proposed language, compare it with current appraisal statutes and consider whether to advance the bill with clarifying edits.

What’s next: Committee staff will review drafting options to ensure the provision on wetlands valuation works alongside existing appraisal law and does not create conflicting statutory language.