New Jersey Senate Bill SCR106

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/24
• Refer: 5/16/24

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide property tax exemption for primary residence owned and occupied by surviving spouse of first responder who dies in line of duty.

Impact

If passed, the provisions of SCR106 would have a significant impact on state laws regarding property taxation for the specified demographic. The state government would be required to reimburse local taxing districts for any property taxes that would have been collected from properties receiving the exemption. This ensures that municipalities are not financially burdened by the loss of tax revenue due to this new exemption.

Summary

SCR106 is a proposed constitutional amendment in New Jersey aimed at providing property tax exemptions for the primary residences owned and occupied by the surviving spouses of first responders who have died in the line of duty. This includes law enforcement officers, paid and volunteer firefighters, and members of ambulance or rescue squads. The bill stipulates that the residence must have been the primary dwelling of the deceased first responder at the time of their death. Furthermore, the exemption is to remain in effect for the duration of the surviving spouse's widowhood or widowerhood, contingent upon their ownership and occupancy of the property.

Contention

Debate surrounding SCR106 may center on the potential fiscal implications for local governments and the state budget. Supporters argue that this amendment is a vital recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders, providing necessary assistance to their surviving families. On the other hand, critics may voice concerns regarding the long-term financial sustainability of such exemptions and whether they may lead to increased taxation burdens on other residents to compensate for lost revenue.