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Bill

HB 175

Real property; tax exemption, surviving spouses of members of Armed Forces who died in line of duty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Katrina Callsen and 7 co-sponsors

Virginia exempts property taxes for surviving spouses of military members killed in line of duty, providing ongoing financial relief to military families.

Referred to Committee on Finance and Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 175

Legislative bill overview

HB 175 establishes a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of Armed Forces members who died in the line of duty in Virginia. The bill allows these surviving spouses to claim exemption on their primary residence or other real property, providing ongoing tax relief as a tribute to military sacrifice.

Why is this important

This measure provides tangible financial support to surviving military families during their most vulnerable period, reducing their ongoing property tax burden. The exemption recognizes military service sacrifice while helping surviving spouses maintain housing stability and financial security after losing a breadwinner.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Local governments lose property tax revenue, which may affect funding for schools, emergency services, and infrastructure—the bill does not specify if the state compensates localities
  • Scope and eligibility: Questions remain about specific criteria (e.g., which branches of service, combat vs. non-combat deaths, remarriage provisions) and whether exemption applies indefinitely or has time limits
  • Equity concerns: Some may argue similar exemptions should apply to families of deceased emergency responders or other public servants, or that property tax relief is regressive if it primarily benefits higher-income families

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

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