Bill > H3239

This bill introduces comprehensive municipal property tax reform with several key provisions. First, it allows cities and towns to voluntarily form regional boards of assessors, enabling multiple municipalities to consolidate their assessment functions through a formal agreement. The regional board would have the same powers as local boards of assessors, with each member town guaranteed at least one representative. The bill also modifies property tax exemptions, including expanding relief for surviving minor children of police officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty and creating a new property tax exemption for income and age-qualified homeowners. For the new homeowner exemption, eligible individuals must be 65 or older (or have a joint applicant 60 or older), have owned and lived in the municipality for at least 10 consecutive years, meet certain income requirements, and have property values below a specified threshold. The amount of exemption would be determined annually by the local chief executive officer and cannot exceed 200% of a specific state income tax credit. Additionally, the bill allows for more flexible local determination of certain tax assessment practices, such as permitting municipalities to adjust exemption percentages and providing mechanisms for property owners to qualify for tax relief based on income, age, and long-term residency.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3239