Relating to a frozen assessed value for the homesteads of certain individuals; prescribing an effective date.
Impact
The legislation is set to have a significant impact on property tax laws in Oregon, particularly for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. By allowing for a frozen assessed value on eligible homesteads, it serves to mitigate the financial pressures of rising property taxes, particularly for those on fixed incomes. However, the bill includes a sunset provision that will phase out the program after six years, although those who qualify before the sunset will maintain their frozen assessed values.
Summary
Senate Bill 655 introduces a provision for a frozen assessed value for the homesteads of individuals who are at least 68 years of age or who have a disability, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. This measure aims to assist these individuals by preventing the increase of property taxes on their homesteads, specifically when their properties are pledged as security for a reverse mortgage. By freezing the assessed value at the amount recorded on the prior year's tax statement, the bill aims to provide financial relief for vulnerable populations.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 655 tends to be positive, especially among advocates for senior citizen rights and disability groups, who see it as a necessary step towards providing economic stability for at-risk populations. Policymakers sympathetic to these groups argue that the bill will offer essential protections against displacement due to rising property taxes. However, there are concerns regarding the program's sustainability and what will happen to individuals who lose eligibility after the program sunsets.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding SB 655 include potential fiscal implications for local governments that rely on property tax revenues. Critics argue that freezing assessed values could lead to inequities in the tax system and a reduction in funding for public services dependent on property tax income. Balancing the needs of vulnerable populations against the fiscal stability of local governments presents a significant dilemma that was central to the debate around the bill.
Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a county may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a county may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the authority of a taxing unit other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the taxing unit may impose on the residence homesteads of certain low-income individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the authority of a taxing unit other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the taxing unit may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses and to the information required to be included in a tax bill.