Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR33

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22
• Report Pass: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

Constitutional amendment; providing for vote of the people to clarify language of veterans ad valorem exemptions. Directing for special election.

Impact

If SJR33 is approved, it will amend Sections 8D through 8F of Article 10 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which relates to tax exemptions for veterans and their survivors. The running exemption will be fully preserved for qualifying head of household veterans, and surviving spouses will continue to receive exemptions as long as they have not remarried. This amendment may lead to an increased awareness of property tax benefits available to veterans and survivors, thereby potentially enhancing financial stability for these groups.

Summary

SJR33 is a proposed amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution aimed at refining the language around property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans. The bill facilitates the exemption of household personal property and homestead property from ad valorem taxation for those veterans who have an official rating of 100% permanent disability from military service. The proposed changes are intended to not only modernize the terminology used in the law but to also ensure that veterans and their families are clearly recognized and afforded these benefits without ambiguity.

Contention

Despite the intent to simplify and clarify existing tax exemptions, there could be raised concerns regarding the definitions and emerging criteria for eligibility. Opponents might argue that the legislation creates additional layers of complexity or may not sufficiently address the varying circumstances veterans and survivors may face in different locales. Furthermore, discussions may surface about whether the exemptions are adequately funded or supported by the state's fiscal policies, particularly in times of budget constraints.