RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 721 (SB 163) 2018 Regular Session Perry
Present constitution grants a special assessment level to homesteads of people 65 or older
that prohibits the assessment of the homestead from increasing above the property's total
assessed value for the first year that the owner qualifies for and receives the special
assessment level. The millage rate is not subject to the limitation.
Present constitution prohibits the special assessment level if such person's adjusted gross
income, as reported in the federal tax return for the year prior to the application for the
special assessment, or on both returns if the spouses are filing separately, exceeds $71,491
for tax year 2016. The income level is adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index. The
special assessment level remains on the property as long as certain requirements concerning
occupancy and property value are met.
Proposed constitutional amendment extends the special assessment level to certain trusts if
the settlors of the trust meet the requirements of present constitution and as provided in new
law.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that if the trust would have been eligible for
the special assessment level prior to the most recent reappraisal, the total assessment of the
property held in trust shall be the assessed value on the last appraisal before the reappraisal.
Present constitution establishes an ad valorem tax exemption equal to $7,500 of a property's
assessed value for a military veteran with a 100% disability rating or their surviving spouse.
Proposed constitutional amendment extends eligibility for this exemption to certain trusts
if the settlors of the trust meet the requirements of present constitution and as provided in
law.
Present constitution establishes a 100% ad valorem tax exemption for the surviving spouse
of a person who died while performing their duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces or
the La. National Guard, or as a state police, law enforcement, or fire protection officer, or
as a volunteer firefighter, or as an emergency medical responder, technician, or paramedic.
Proposed constitutional amendment extends eligibility for this exemption to certain trusts
if the settlors of the trust meet the requirements of present constitution and as provided in
law.
Specifies submission of the amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held on
November 6, 2018.
(Amends Const. Art. VII, §§18(G)(6), 21(K), and (M))