127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1169		LR 374(01)
	RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Permit 25 Acres or Less To Be Withdrawn from Taxation as Timberland and Woodland without Penalty
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Sen. Davis, Sr. of Piscataquis
	Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Referendum Costs		Month/Year	Election Type	Question	Length
		Nov-15	General	Referendum	Standard
	The Secretary of State's budget includes sufficient funds to accommodate one ballot of average length for the general election in November.  If the number or size of the referendum questions requires production and delivery of a second ballot, an additional appropriation of $107,250 may be required.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	If the constitutional amendment were to be approved by the voters, landowners with 25 acres or less could opt out of the tree growth program with no penalty.  Currently, a penalty equal to 5 years of property taxes that would have been paid if not in the tree growth program less taxes paid would be assessed by the municipal tax assessor or the state tax assessor in the case of unorganized territories.  Once a landowner has opted out, the land would be subject to the full property tax assessment.