Bill
SJR 270
Proposes a constitutional amendment to create a homestead tax exemption for homeowners 65+, reducing property taxes on their primary residence.
Overview
- Type: Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment
- Subject: Constitutional amendments
- Bill number: SJR 270
- Title: Homestead Property Exemption for Persons Age 65 or Older
- Primary sponsor: Bernard
- Introduced: October 23, 2025
- Status: Referred to Finance and Tax; Appropriations; Rules
- Legislative actions: Filed on October 23, 2025; referred to committees on November 17, 2025
What the bill would do
- Proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a homestead property tax exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older.
- Aims to reduce property tax burden for eligible senior homeowners by exempting a portion (or all, depending on the amendment’s text) of assessed value or tax liability on their primary residence.
- As a constitutional measure, any exemption would be embedded in the state constitution; mechanics, amounts, and eligibility criteria would be defined in the constitutional language and any implementing provisions or statutes.
Key provisions (as typically involved in a senior homestead exemption amendment)
- Eligibility: Requirements would include age (65 or older) and ownership/use of the property as the owner’s primary residence.
- Scope of exemption: The constitutional text would specify the exemption basis (e.g., a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of assessed value, or a tiered approach). Details would be set in the amendment language and any implementing legislation.
- Applicability: Likely applies to property taxes assessed against the homeowner’s primary residence; may specify transition rules for existing exemptions or for new homeowners.
- Implementation: The amendment would outline whether the exemption is automatic for eligible residents or requires filings/applications, and how eligibility is verified.
- Fiscal considerations: The measure would alter local government property tax revenue and may necessitate offsetting funding mechanisms or adjustments; fiscal impact would be assessed by the appropriations process.
Who would be affected
- Primary group: Homeowners aged 65 and older who own and occupy their homes as their primary residence.
- Administrative impact: Local assessors and treasurers would administer the exemption if the constitutional text delegates implementing details to the state or to local jurisdictions; the state budget would reflect any anticipated revenue changes.
Procedural and timeline notes
- The bill is currently in committee referrals (Finance and Tax; Appropriations; Rules), indicating initial consideration of fiscal impact and constitutional implications.
- As a constitutional amendment, passage would typically require approval by both chambers of the Legislature and subsequent voter ratification in a statewide election.
Next steps
- Committees could hold hearings to discuss fiscal notes, public input, and legal considerations.
- If approved by the Legislature, the measure would proceed to a statewide referendum for voter approval.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
