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HJR 144

Proposes a constitutional amendment granting homestead and personal property tax exemptions to certain veterans proportional to the veteran's disability rating

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tricia Byrnes and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri constitutional amendment scaling homestead and personal property tax exemptions for veterans based on service-related disability ratings.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#constitutionalamendments #counties #property #realandpersonal #revenue #departmentof #statetaxcommission #taxationandrevenue-general #taxationandrevenue-property #veterans
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Bill Summary · HJR 144

Legislative bill overview

HJR 144 proposes a Missouri constitutional amendment that would provide homestead and personal property tax exemptions to veterans, with the exemption amount scaled according to each veteran's disability rating. This would require a constitutional change rather than standard legislation, making it a more permanent structural modification to tax policy.

Why is this important

Veterans currently receive limited tax exemptions in Missouri, and this amendment would expand those benefits significantly. The disability-rating-proportional approach means severely disabled veterans would receive greater tax relief than those with minor service-related disabilities, directly affecting state and local tax revenues while reducing housing costs for a specific population.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Homestead exemptions reduce property tax revenue for schools, counties, and municipalities—the fiscal cost would depend on veteran population size and disability rating distribution
  • Definitional questions: The amendment's language would need clarification on which veterans qualify, how disability ratings are verified, and whether it applies retroactively
  • Equity concerns: Some may argue tax exemptions based on military service create unequal treatment compared to other public service workers or disabled non-veterans, while others view veteran benefits as justified recognition of sacrifice

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

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