Tennessee House Bill HB1267

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-6-303, relative to tax exemption for service members of the armed forces.

Impact

If passed, HB1267 would have a significant impact on state laws regarding tax exemptions for military families. The revised language aims to provide greater financial relief to military personnel and their extended families. With this inclusion, service members will be able to claim tax exemptions not only for themselves and their immediate spouses but also for a larger array of familial relationships. This aligns state tax policy with the increasing recognition of the diverse family structures that exist within military communities.

Summary

House Bill 1267 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 67-6-303, which deals with tax exemptions for service members of the armed forces. The bill proposes changes to the definitions related to beneficiaries of this tax exemption. In particular, it replaces the term 'spouse or lineal relative' with a broader definition that includes 'spouse, natural or adopted child, stepchild, or relative related by blood or marriage'. This change intends to expand the eligibility for tax exemptions to a wider group of family members related to the service members.

Contention

While the bill seems to aim at providing broader benefits to military families, discussions may arise regarding the implications of such an expansion. Opponents might argue about the potential financial impacts on state revenues given the broader range of tax exemptions. There could also be questions regarding the administrative changes needed to implement these new definitions and their potential effects on existing tax policies. The discussion might also highlight whether this revision addresses the most pressing needs of military families or if it merely expands the system without adequately considering fiscal responsibilities.