Bill > HB4617

This bill updates existing legislation related to property tax special assessment deferments by making several gender-neutral language changes and clarifying procedural requirements. The bill modifies the application process for homeowners seeking to defer special assessment payments, replacing gendered terms like "husband and wife" with "married couple" and "person" with "individual". It specifies that homeowners must complete an affidavit form provided by the state, which must include a warning statement in boldfaced type that the state will place a lien on the property if the deferment is authorized. The bill maintains existing requirements that jointly owned homesteads require signatures from both owners and that properties with mortgages or land contracts cannot receive a deferment without written consent from the mortgage holder or land contract vendor. Additionally, the affidavit must be filed with the local assessing officer at least 30 days after the special assessment's due date. The bill is contingent upon a related constitutional amendment and is primarily focused on making the existing law's language more inclusive and precise.