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Oregon House Bill HB3249

Oregon 2025 Regular Session

Oregon House Bill HB3249

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Relating to an exemption from property taxes for the homesteads of seniors; and prescribing an effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3249 will directly modify state tax laws related to property taxes. It will permit the continued tax exemption for the surviving spouses of eligible seniors without requiring a new claim, thereby ensuring ongoing tax relief during periods of bereavement. The requirement that the homestead must have been owned by the individual for at least five years before filing for the exemption establishes a substantial commitment to maintaining stable living conditions for seniors in Oregon.

Summary

House Bill 3249 proposes to grant a partial exemption from ad valorem property taxes specifically for the homes of senior citizens aged 65 and older, as well as for their surviving spouses. The bill allows for a 50% exemption on the assessed value of their primary dwelling, recognizing the financial strain that rising property values and inflation have placed on this demographic. The bill intends to alleviate some of the tax burdens faced by seniors, who often live on fixed incomes and may struggle to meet escalating property tax demands.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 3249 is predominantly positive among its proponents, particularly those advocating for senior citizens. Supporters argue the bill represents a necessary adjustment in state taxation policy that reflects the challenges faced by older citizens in light of increased living costs. However, there may be some concern among fiscal conservatives regarding the potential loss of tax revenue and the bill's implications for county budgets.

Contention

Some points of contention arise from the balance between providing tax relief for seniors and the impact on local government revenues derived from property taxes. Critics may argue that while the intention is noble, it could lead to greater financial burdens on local municipalities that depend on these taxes for essential services. The necessity of a claim process and its documentation requirements may also be seen as a potential bureaucratic hurdle that could deter eligible seniors from benefiting from the exemption.

Latest HB3249 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

IN SB0090

Property tax freeze for seniors.

IN SB0006

Property tax deferral program.

TX HB1648

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.

IN SB0001

Local government finance.

TX HJR87

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HB4478

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.

TX HJR20

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HJR19

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.