Tennessee House Bill HB0935

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 7, relative to disabled veterans.

Impact

The enactment of HB 0935 will update existing regulations surrounding property tax exemptions, allowing qualifying disabled veterans greater access to tax relief. It aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles by mandating that reimbursements be paid from general funds, thereby simplifying the process for beneficiaries. By enhancing financial support for disabled veterans, the bill is expected to provide significant assistance to veterans who may struggle with the financial implications of property taxes due to their disabilities.

Summary

House Bill 0935 aims to amend certain provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. The bill specifically targets veterans who have been awarded a 100% disability rating by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, streamlining the eligibility and reimbursement process for local property taxes associated with their residences. The primary thrust of the legislation is to ensure that disabled veterans receive financial relief in the form of property tax reimbursements from the state for taxes paid during the year.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 0935 appears to be largely positive among advocates for veteran affairs and support organizations. Proponents argue that the measure rectifies existing inequities in how tax benefits are administered to disabled veterans, and it has been perceived as a necessary step to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. There may be minor concerns regarding the implementation of funding mechanisms, but overall, the bill enjoys bipartisan support.

Contention

While the bill has been generally well-received, points of contention may arise regarding the sourcing of funds for reimbursements from the general funds of the state. Some legislators may raise concerns over potential budget impacts or the priority of such expenditures in the broader context of state financial management. Nonetheless, the bill is seen as a significant legislative effort to provide necessary support to a deserving demographic.