New Jersey Assembly Bill A888

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

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

Impact

In addition to establishing eligibility based on disability percentages, the legislation mandates that the state will reimburse municipalities for the cost incurred due to these property tax exemptions. This is intended to alleviate the financial strain on local governments resulting from the implementation of the law. Such a move depicts a more supportive stance towards veterans while ensuring municipalities are compensated appropriately for the benefits they are required to provide. The reimbursement comes at a rate of 102% of the exemptions granted in each taxing district, ensuring that local taxes do not increase as a result of this exemption policy.

Summary

Assembly Bill A888 proposes to grant a proportional property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities, determined by their disability percentage rating. The bill establishes that veterans with at least a 30% disability rating will be eligible for exemptions proportional to their rating, with a cap of $10,000 for exemptions below 100%. Importantly, those veterans who are deemed unemployable due to their service-connected disabilities will, similarly to fully disabled veterans, receive a full property tax exemption. The bill aims to recognize the sacrifices of veterans while providing them with financial relief.

Contention

The discussions surrounding A888 highlight distinctions in the veteran community regarding eligibility and the financial implications for municipalities. Critics may argue that the provisions for unemployable veterans receiving a 100% exemption without extending benefits to their surviving spouses, unlike those with 100% disabilities, reflects an inconsistency in supporting veterans' families. Opponents of such policies might express concerns over potential budget strains on the state and local governments if comprehensive assessments and reimbursements are not managed effectively. Nevertheless, proponents believe that the bill creates a fair framework for recognizing veteran sacrifices, particularly for those struggling with disabilities.