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HB 165

Tax Exemptions for Surviving Spouses of Quadriplegics

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Caruso and 9 co-sponsors

HB 165 would exempt surviving spouses of quadriplegic individuals from property taxes, but died in committee due to apparent fiscal concerns.

Died in Appropriations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 165

Legislative bill overview

HB 165 would provide property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of individuals who are quadriplegic. The bill appears designed to offer financial relief to surviving spouses by reducing their property tax obligations, recognizing the economic hardship associated with caring for or having cared for a severely disabled spouse.

Why is this important

Surviving spouses of quadriplegic individuals often face substantial medical, care, and living expenses. Property tax exemptions could provide meaningful financial relief during an economically vulnerable period. However, the bill's actual scope, eligibility requirements, and fiscal impact remain unclear from the legislative record.

Potential points of contention

  • Targeted vs. universal relief: Why surviving spouses of quadriplegic individuals specifically, rather than broader categories of disabled individuals or caregivers? This raises fairness questions about who qualifies for tax benefits.
  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: The bill died in Appropriations, suggesting concerns about state revenue loss and budgetary feasibility were not resolved.
  • Definition and verification challenges: Determining quadriplegia status and verifying surviving spouse eligibility could create administrative complexity and potential for fraud.
  • Precedent concerns: Establishing disease-specific tax exemptions could open requests for similar benefits for other conditions, creating slippery-slope budgeting issues.

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

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