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HB 65

An Act authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue revenue bonds to finance the replacement of the Alaska Railroad Corporation's passenger dock and related terminal facility in Seward, Alaska; and providing for an effective date.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jesse Bjorkman and 20 co-sponsors

HB 65 offers a property tax exemption for Franklin County seniors 65+ on their primary homes, freezing assessed values to ease financial burdens on long-term residents.

(H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 3/7/25
#bonds&bonding #capitalprojects #debt #funds #loans #publiccorporations #railroad
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Bill Summary · HB 65

Summary of HB 65 - Senior Property Tax Exemption in Franklin County

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 65
- Title: Franklin County; senior property tax exemption, authorized; constitutional amendment
- Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Local Legislation
- Introduced: November 13, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Franklin County

Purpose and Intent

HB 65 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, specifically aimed at providing a senior property tax exemption for qualified taxpayers aged 65 or older in Franklin County. The intent is to alleviate the financial burden of property taxes for senior residents who meet specific criteria.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment includes several important provisions:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:

    • Individuals must be 65 years of age or older.
    • The property must be classified as single-family owner-occupied residential property.
    • The property must be used as the principal place of residence for at least five years prior to claiming the exemption.

  2. Exemption Details:

    • The exemption will freeze the assessed value of the property at the value from the year immediately prior to claiming the exemption.
    • Seniors can continue to claim the exemption as long as they maintain the property as their principal residence.
    • The exemption does not affect eligibility for other exemptions, such as the homestead exemption.

  3. Tax Assessment Changes:

    • The property will still be subject to any changes in millage rates.
    • Any additions to the property after claiming the exemption will be assessed separately and taxed accordingly.

  4. Claiming the Exemption:

    • The exemption can be claimed starting October 1, 2027, based on the property value as of October 1, 2026.
    • Claims must be submitted in writing to the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31.

Impact

This bill is expected to benefit senior residents of Franklin County by providing financial relief through property tax exemptions. It aims to support older homeowners who have lived in their properties for an extended period, helping them maintain their homes without the increasing burden of property taxes.

Procedural Aspects

  • The proposed amendment will be subject to a vote by the public. An election will be held in accordance with the relevant sections of the Constitution of Alabama and state election laws.
  • The amendment will become part of the Constitution upon approval by a majority of voters.

Legislative Actions

  • November 13, 2025: Filed and read for the first time.
  • November 13, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on Local Legislation for further consideration.

Sponsor

  • Primary Sponsor: Representative Kiel

This summary provides an overview of HB 65, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on senior residents in Franklin County.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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