Rep. Gillespie files bill in North Carolina House on conservation land tax valuation

A new bill filed by State Rep. Karl E. Gillespie seeks to adjust tax valuation rules for land owned by conservation entities to support preservation efforts, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 647 on April 1 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Ag. PUV Conservation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill amends various sections of the North Carolina General Statutes to allow land owned by certain conservation entities, known as “conservation holders,” to be taxed at present-use value, which is typically lower than market value. These conservation holders are defined as nonprofit or private corporations organized to preserve agricultural, horticultural, or forestland in perpetuity. The bill stipulates that land transferred to a conservation holder can retain its present-use value classification if certain conditions are met, such as the land being used consistently with conservation purposes. Additionally, properties under a qualifying conservation easement may continue to receive present-use valuation regardless of production or income requirements. This change is effective for taxes imposed on or after July 1, 2026.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Neal Jackson proposed the most bills (29) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Gillespie, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 120th House district, replacing previous state representative Kevin Corbin.