Bill

Bill > S58


NJ S58

NJ S58
Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and proclaims that the State shall reimburse municipalities for cost of exemptions.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill grants a property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability in proportion to their disability percentage rating. The exemption is only granted to those with a disability percentage rating of at least 30 percent, and the exemption is capped at $10,000. Those with a 100 percent disability percentage rating would still be allowed a 100 percent property tax exemption without a cap, as is the case under current law. In addition, the bill grants those honorably discharged veterans having less than a 100 percent service-connected disability, but who are unemployable, a 100 percent property tax exemption, which matches the current 100 percent property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a 100 percent disability percentage rating. As under current law, the bill allows the 100 percent property tax exemption to extend to the surviving spouse of a veteran. However, the newly allowed property tax exemption for a veteran with a less than 100 percent property tax exemption would not extend to the surviving spouse. The bill also eliminates all references to medical conditions so that any service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, will make a veteran eligible for the property tax exemption. Finally, the bill proclaims that the State shall annually reimburse taxing districts, including for administrative costs, for the property tax exemptions granted to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill includes reporting provisions so proper reimbursement can be made.

AI Summary

This bill expands property tax exemptions for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities, meaning disabilities incurred during military service as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. Previously, exemptions were limited to specific severe conditions or a 100% disability rating, but this bill allows for a proportional exemption based on the percentage of disability, capped at $10,000 for those with less than a 100% disability rating. It also grants a full 100% exemption to veterans who are unemployable due to their service-connected disability, regardless of the exact percentage, and maintains the existing 100% exemption for those with a 100% disability rating and for their surviving spouses. Importantly, the bill removes any mention of specific medical conditions, making eligibility solely dependent on the veteran's disability rating from the VA. To offset the cost to local governments, the State will annually reimburse municipalities for the full amount of these exemptions, including administrative costs, and establishes reporting procedures to ensure accurate reimbursement.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (22)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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