Bill > H3463

This bill amends South Carolina's property tax exemption laws to expand eligibility for certain surviving spouses, specifically those whose deceased spouse was a veteran, law enforcement officer, or firefighter who died from a service-connected disability or in the line of duty. The bill clarifies that a "qualified surviving spouse" includes those who remain unmarried, reside in the house, and own the property in fee or for life. The exemption applies to the house and its lot, even if the service-connected disability determination was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs after the veteran's death. The bill also introduces a provision for heirs' property, allowing residents who own an interest in a house to qualify for the exemption if the county assessor certifies the property as heirs' property and the person is an owner-occupied resident. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "permanently and totally disabled" as the inability to perform substantial gainful employment due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment lasting or expected to last at least twelve months. The tax exemption will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will apply to tax years after 2024.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3463&session=126&summary=B