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SB 663

Winter Fires of 2025: real property tax: exemptions and reassessment.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Allen and 12 co-sponsors

SB 663 extends property tax reassessment and exemptions for homeowners and businesses affected by the 2025 wildfires, easing their financial burden and aiding recovery.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 549, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 663

Summary of SB 663: Winter Fires of 2025 - Real Property Tax Exemptions and Reassessment

Bill Number: SB 663
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State, Chapter 549, Statutes of 2025
Author: Allen
Subject: Real Property Tax, Exemptions, and Reassessment

Purpose and Intent

SB 663 aims to provide relief to property owners affected by significant wildfires in California during the winter of 2025. The bill extends the timeframe for property tax reassessment and exemptions for properties damaged or destroyed by specific wildfires, thereby easing the financial burden on affected homeowners and businesses.

Key Provisions

  1. Extension of Reassessment Period:

    • The bill extends the existing 5-year period for transferring the base year value of substantially damaged or destroyed properties by an additional 3 years. This applies to properties affected by the 2025 Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Lidia Fire, Sunset Fire, Woodley Fire, and the 2024 Mountain Fire or Franklin Fire.
    • The new timeframe allows property owners to apply for reassessment until 24 months after the fires, or as specified in county ordinances.

  2. Reassessment Eligibility:

    • Local governments are authorized to provide for the assessment or reassessment of properties damaged by disasters declared by the Governor, including those in a state of emergency.
    • The bill allows local assessors discretion in determining the date of damage for reassessment purposes.

  3. Disabled Veterans’ Exemption:

    • The bill expands the definition of a veteran's principal place of residence to include properties where the dwelling was completely destroyed in a disaster, provided certain conditions are met.

  4. Use-Based Exemptions:

    • Properties that were previously exempt but are no longer used for exempt purposes due to fire damage may qualify for a use-based exemption if they meet specific criteria, including not changing ownership since the disaster.

  5. Local Agency Mandates:

    • The bill creates a state-mandated local program by imposing additional duties on local tax officials.
    • It specifies that no reimbursement is required for certain mandates, and it does not appropriate funds for local agencies to recover lost property tax revenues due to the bill's provisions.

  6. Urgency Clause:

    • The bill is declared to take effect immediately as an urgency statute, emphasizing the need for prompt action to assist affected property owners.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: Homeowners, businesses, and local governments in California, particularly in areas impacted by the specified wildfires.
  • Financial Relief: The extended reassessment period and exemptions aim to alleviate the financial strain on property owners who have suffered losses due to the wildfires.
  • Local Government Responsibilities: Local tax officials will have increased responsibilities in managing reassessments and exemptions, potentially impacting their administrative processes.

Conclusion

SB 663 represents a legislative effort to support Californians impacted by the winter fires of 2025 by providing necessary tax relief and reassessment opportunities. The bill's provisions are designed to facilitate recovery and ensure that property owners are not unduly penalized for losses incurred due to natural disasters.

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

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