Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 1 Property Tax Amendments 2025 GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor: Daniel McCay House Sponsor: Jason B. Kyle 2 3 LONG TITLE 4 General Description: 5 This bill modifies provisions related to property tax. 6 Highlighted Provisions: 7 This bill: 8 ▸ defines terms; 9 ▸ prohibits taxpayers from receiving the homeowner's credit unless the taxpayer received 10 the credit within the previous two years, beginning in 2026; 11 ▸ removes requirements for annual inflation adjustments for the homeowner's credit; 12 ▸ increases the household income limits and maximum credit amounts allowed for a renter's 13 credit; 14 ▸ changes the qualifications, scope, duration, and rates of interest applicable to the 15 discretionary and nondiscretionary property tax deferral programs; 16 ▸ prohibits taxpayers from receiving indigent abatement unless the taxpayer received the 17 abatement within the previous two years, beginning in 2026; 18 ▸ requires a county auditor to include information on the property tax valuation notice 19 regarding the availability of tax deferral programs; 20 ▸ requires a county treasurer to include information on the tax notice regarding the amount 21 of outstanding taxes and interest for taxpayers who receive a deferral; 22 ▸ prohibits taxpayers from receiving more than one of certain forms of property tax relief; 23 ▸ includes a coordination clause to address substantive and technical conflicts if this bill 24 and H.B. 20, Property Tax Code Recodification, both pass and become law; and 25 ▸ makes technical and conforming changes. 26 Money Appropriated in this Bill: 27 None S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 28 Other Special Clauses: 29 This bill provides a coordination clause. 30 This bill provides retrospective operation. 31 Utah Code Sections Affected: 32 AMENDS: 33 59-2-919.1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 246 34 59-2-1317, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 430 35 59-2-1331, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 263 36 59-2-1343, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 263 37 59-2-1801, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapters 241, 263 38 59-2-1803, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 471 39 59-2-1804, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 354 40 63J-1-602.2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapters 241, 285, 425, and 467 41 REPEALS AND REENACTS: 42 59-2-1208, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 391 43 59-2-1209, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 272 44 59-2-1802, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 241 45 59-2-1802.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 241 46 Utah Code Sections affected by Coordination Clause: 47 59-2-1208, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 391 48 59-2-1209, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 272 49 59-2-1801, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapters 241, 263 50 59-2-1802, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 241 51 59-2-1802.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 241 52 59-2-1804, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 354 53 54 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah: 55 Section 1. Section 59-2-919.1 is amended to read: 56 59-2-919.1 . Notice of property valuation and tax changes. 57 (1) In addition to the notice requirements of Section 59-2-919, the county auditor, on or 58 before July 22 of each year, shall notify each owner of real estate who is listed on the 59 assessment roll. 60 (2) The notice described in Subsection (1) shall: 61 (a) except as provided in Subsection (4), be sent to all owners of real property by mail - 2 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 62 10 or more days before the day on which: 63 (i) the county board of equalization meets; and 64 (ii) the taxing entity holds a public hearing on the proposed increase in the certified 65 tax rate; 66 (b) be on a form that is: 67 (i) approved by the commission; and 68 (ii) uniform in content in all counties in the state; and 69 (c) contain for each property: 70 (i) the assessor's determination of the value of the property; 71 (ii) the taxable value of the property; 72 (iii)(A) the deadline for the taxpayer to make an application to appeal the 73 valuation or equalization of the property under Section 59-2-1004; or 74 (B) for property assessed by the commission, the deadline for the taxpayer to 75 apply to the commission for a hearing on an objection to the valuation or 76 equalization of the property under Section 59-2-1007; 77 (iv) for a property assessed by the commission, a statement that the taxpayer may not 78 appeal the valuation or equalization of the property to the county board of 79 equalization; 80 (v) itemized tax information for all applicable taxing entities, including: 81 (A) the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability for the property in the prior 82 year; and 83 (B) the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability under the current rate; 84 (vi) the following, stated separately: 85 (A) the charter school levy described in Section 53F-2-703; 86 (B) the multicounty assessing and collecting levy described in Subsection 87 59-2-1602(2); 88 (C) the county assessing and collecting levy described in Subsection 59-2-1602(4); 89 (D) levies for debt service voted on by the public; 90 (E) levies imposed for special purposes under Section 10-6-133.4; 91 (F) for a fiscal year that begins on or after July 1, 2023, the combined basic rate as 92 defined in Section 53F-2-301; and 93 (G) if applicable, the annual payment described in Subsection 63H-1-501(4)(a); 94 (vii) the tax impact on the property; 95 (viii) the date, time, and place of the required public hearing for each entity; - 3 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 96 (ix) property tax information pertaining to: 97 (A) taxpayer relief; 98 (B) options for payment of taxes; 99 (C) collection procedures; and 100 (D) the residential exemption described in Section 59-2-103; 101 (x) information specifically authorized to be included on the notice under this chapter; 102 (xi) the last property review date of the property as described in Subsection 103 59-2-303.1(1)(c); 104 (xii) instructions on how the taxpayer may obtain additional information regarding 105 the valuation of the property, including the characteristics and features of the 106 property, from at least one the following sources: 107 (A) a website maintained by the county; or 108 (B) the county assessor's office; [and] 109 (xiii) information describing the availability of property tax deferral options for 110 qualifying residential property owners under Sections 59-2-1802 and 59-2-1802.5, 111 including a telephone number, or a website address on which a telephone is 112 prominently listed, that residential property owners may call to obtain additional 113 information about applying for a deferral; and 114 [(xiii)] (xiv) other information approved by the commission. 115 (3) If a taxing entity that is subject to the notice and hearing requirements of Subsection 116 59-2-919(4) proposes a tax increase, the notice described in Subsection (1) shall state, in 117 addition to the information required by Subsection (2): 118 (a) the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability if the proposed increase is approved; 119 (b) the difference between the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability if the 120 proposed increase is approved and the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability 121 under the current rate, placed in close proximity to the information described in 122 Subsection (2)(c)(viii); 123 (c) the percentage increase that the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax liability under the 124 proposed tax rate represents as compared to the dollar amount of the taxpayer's tax 125 liability under the current tax rate; and 126 (d) for each taxing entity proposing a tax increase, the dollar amount of additional ad 127 valorem tax revenue, as defined in Section 59-2-919, that would be generated each 128 year if the proposed tax increase is approved. 129 (4)(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Subsection (4), a county auditor may, at the - 4 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 130 county auditor's discretion, provide the notice required by this section to a taxpayer 131 by electronic means if a taxpayer makes an election, according to procedures 132 determined by the county auditor, to receive the notice by electronic means. 133 (b)(i) If a notice required by this section is sent by electronic means, a county auditor 134 shall attempt to verify whether a taxpayer receives the notice. 135 (ii) If receipt of the notice sent by electronic means cannot be verified 14 days or 136 more before the county board of equalization meets and the taxing entity holds a 137 public hearing on a proposed increase in the certified tax rate, the notice required 138 by this section shall also be sent by mail as provided in Subsection (2). 139 (c) A taxpayer may revoke an election to receive the notice required by this section by 140 electronic means if the taxpayer provides written notice to the county auditor on or 141 before April 30. 142 (d) An election or a revocation of an election under this Subsection (4): 143 (i) does not relieve a taxpayer of the duty to pay a tax due under this chapter on or 144 before the due date for paying the tax; or 145 (ii) does not alter the requirement that a taxpayer appealing the valuation or the 146 equalization of the taxpayer's real property submit the application for appeal 147 within the time period provided in Subsection 59-2-1004(3). 148 (e) A county auditor shall provide the notice required by this section as provided in 149 Subsection (2), until a taxpayer makes a new election in accordance with this 150 Subsection (4), if: 151 (i) the taxpayer revokes an election in accordance with Subsection (4)(c) to receive 152 the notice required by this section by electronic means; or 153 (ii) the county auditor finds that the taxpayer's electronic contact information is 154 invalid. 155 (f) A person is considered to be a taxpayer for purposes of this Subsection (4) regardless 156 of whether the property that is the subject of the notice required by this section is 157 exempt from taxation. 158 The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill. 159 Section 2. Section 59-2-1208 is repealed and reenacted to read: 160 59-2-1208 . Amount of homeowner's credit -- Limitations -- General Fund as 161 source of credit. 162 (1) Subject to Subsections (2) through (4), for a calendar year beginning on or after January 163 1, 2025, a claimant may claim a homeowner's credit that does not exceed the following - 5 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 164 amounts: 165 If household income is Homeowner's credit166 $0 -- $13,884 $1,259 167 $13,885 -- $18,515 $1,105 168 $18,516 -- $23,141 $954 169 $23,142 -- $27,770 $726 170 $27,771 -- $32,401 $577 171 $32,402 -- $36,754 $351 172 $36,755 -- $40,840 $197 173 (2) For a calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2026, an individual may receive the 174 homeowner's credit under this section only if the individual received the homeowner's 175 credit for the same residence at least once within the previous two calendar years. 176 (3) An individual may not receive the homeowner's credit under this section if the 177 individual receives any of the following forms of property tax relief for the same 178 residence: 179 (a) a deferral under Section 59-2-1802 or 59-2-1802.5; or 180 (b) an abatement under Section 59-2-1803. 181 (4)(a) An individual may not receive the homeowner's credit under this section or the 182 abatement described in Subsection 59-2-1202(10)(a) on 20% of the fair market value 183 of the residence if: 184 (i) the individual is claimed as a personal exemption on another individual's federal 185 income tax return during any portion of a calendar year for which the individual 186 seeks to claim the homeowner's credit; 187 (ii) the individual is a dependent with respect to whom another individual claims a 188 tax credit under Section 24(h)(4), Internal Revenue Code, during any portion of a 189 calendar year for which the individual seeks to claim the homeowner's credit; or 190 (iii) the individual did not own the residence for the entire calendar year for which 191 the individual claims the homeowner's credit. 192 (b) For a calendar year in which a residence is sold, the amount received as a 193 homeowner's credit under this section or as an abatement described in Subsection 194 59-2-1202(10)(a) on 20% of the fair market value of the residence shall be repaid to 195 the county on or before the day on which the sale of the residence closes. - 6 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 196 (5) A payment for a homeowner's credit allowed by this section, and authorized by Section 197 59-2-1204, shall be paid from the General Fund. 198 The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill. 199 Section 3. Section 59-2-1209 is repealed and reenacted to read: 200 59-2-1209 . Amount of renter's credit -- Adjustments -- Renter's credit may be 201 claimed only for gross rent that does not constitute a rental assistance payment -- 202 Calculation of credit when rent includes utilities -- Limitation -- General Fund as source 203 of credit. 204 (1)(a) Subject to Subsections (2) through (4), for a calendar year beginning on or after 205 January 1, 2025, a claimant may claim a renter's credit for the previous calendar year 206 that does not exceed the following amounts: 207 If household income is Percentage of gross rent allowed as a credit Maximum credit amount208 $0 -- $14,500 9.5% $2,000 209 $14,501 -- $18,750 8.5% $1,750 210 $18,751 -- $23,000 7.0% $1,500 211 $23,001 -- $27,250 5.5% $1,250 212 $27,251 -- $31,500 4.0% $1,000 213 $31,501 -- $35,750 3.0% $750 214 $35,751 -- $40,000 2.5% $500 215 $40,001 -- $46,000 2.0% $250 216 (b) For a calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the commission shall 217 increase or decrease the household income eligibility amounts and the maximum 218 credit amounts under Subsection (1)(a) by a percentage equal to the percentage 219 difference between the consumer price index housing for the preceding calendar year 220 and the consumer price index housing for calendar year 2024. 221 (c) After the commission has adjusted the maximum credit amounts under Subsection 222 (1)(b), the commission shall increase each maximum credit amount under Subsection 223 (1)(a) by $49. 224 (2)(a) A claimant may claim a renter's credit under this section only for gross rent that 225 does not constitute a rental assistance payment. 226 (b) For purposes of determining whether a claimant receives a rental assistance payment - 7 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 227 and in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, 228 the commission may make rules defining the terms: 229 (i) "charitable organization"; 230 (ii) "governmental entity"; or 231 (iii) "religious organization." 232 (3) For purposes of calculating gross rent when a claimant's rent includes electricity or 233 natural gas and the utility amount is not itemized in the statement provided in 234 accordance with Section 59-2-1213, the commission shall deduct from rent: 235 (a) 7% of rent if the rent includes electricity or natural gas but not both; or 236 (b) 13% of rent if the rent includes both electricity and natural gas. 237 (4) An individual may not receive the renter's credit under this section if the individual is: 238 (a) claimed as a personal exemption on another individual's federal income tax return 239 during any portion of a calendar year for which the individual seeks to claim the 240 renter's credit; or 241 (b) a dependent with respect to whom another individual claims a tax credit under 242 Section 24(h)(4), Internal Revenue Code, during any portion of a calendar year for 243 which the individual seeks to claim the renter's credit. 244 (5) A payment for a renter's credit allowed by this section, and authorized by Section 245 59-2-1204, shall be paid from the General Fund. 246 Section 4. Section 59-2-1317 is amended to read: 247 59-2-1317 . Tax notice -- Contents of notice -- Procedures and requirements for 248 providing notice. 249 (1) As used in this section, "political subdivision lien" means the same as that term is 250 defined in Section 11-60-102. 251 (2) Subject to the other provisions of this section, the county treasurer shall: 252 (a) collect the taxes and tax notice charges; and 253 (b) provide a notice to each taxpayer that contains the following: 254 (i) the kind and value of property assessed to the taxpayer; 255 (ii) the street address of the property, if available to the county; 256 (iii) that the property may be subject to a detailed review in the next year under 257 Section 59-2-303.1; 258 (iv) the amount of taxes levied; 259 (v) a separate statement of the taxes levied only on a certain kind or class of property 260 for a special purpose; - 8 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 261 (vi) property tax information pertaining to taxpayer relief, options for payment of 262 taxes, and collection procedures; 263 (vii) any tax notice charges applicable to the property, including: 264 (A) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for road damage that a railroad 265 company causes, as described in Section 10-7-30; 266 (B) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for municipal water distribution, as 267 described in Section 10-8-17, or a political subdivision lien for an increase in 268 supply from a municipal water distribution, as described in Section 10-8-19; 269 (C) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for unpaid abatement fees as 270 described in Section 10-11-4; 271 (D) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for the unpaid portion of an 272 assessment assessed in accordance with Title 11, Chapter 42, Assessment Area 273 Act, or Title 11, Chapter 42a, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, 274 including unpaid costs, charges, and interest as of the date the local entity 275 certifies the unpaid amount to the county treasurer; 276 (E) if applicable, for a special district in accordance with Section 17B-1-902, a 277 political subdivision lien for an unpaid fee, administrative cost, or interest; 278 (F) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for an unpaid irrigation district use 279 charge as described in Section 17B-2a-506; 280 (G) if applicable, a political subdivision lien for a contract assessment under a 281 water contract, as described in Section 17B-2a-1007; 282 (H) if applicable, a property tax penalty that a public infrastructure district 283 imposes, as described in Section 17D-4-304; [and] 284 (I) if applicable, an annual payment to the Military Installation Development 285 Authority or an entity designated by the authority in accordance with Section 286 63H-1-501; and 287 (J) if applicable, the total amount of deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, 288 and accrued interest that is outstanding for an owner of residential property 289 granted a property tax deferral under Section 59-2-1802 or 59-2-1802.5; 290 (viii) if a county's tax notice includes an assessment area charge, a statement that, due 291 to potentially ongoing assessment area charges, costs, penalties, and interest, 292 payment of a tax notice charge may not: 293 (A) pay off the full amount the property owner owes to the tax notice entity; or 294 (B) cause a release of the lien underlying the tax notice charge; - 9 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 295 (ix) if applicable, the annual payment described in Subsection 63H-1-501(4)(a); 296 (x) the date the taxes and tax notice charges are due; 297 (xi) the street address at which the taxes and tax notice charges may be paid; 298 (xii) the date on which the taxes and tax notice charges are delinquent; 299 (xiii) the penalty imposed on delinquent taxes and tax notice charges; 300 (xiv) a statement that explains the taxpayer's right to direct allocation of a partial 301 payment in accordance with Subsection (9); 302 (xv) other information specifically authorized to be included on the notice under this 303 chapter; 304 (xvi) other property tax information approved by the commission; and 305 (xvii) if sent in calendar year 2024, 2025, or 2026: 306 (A) notice that the taxpayer may request electronic notice as described in 307 Subsection 17-21-6(1)(m); and 308 (B) instructions describing how to elect to receive a notice as described in 309 Subsection 17-21-6(1)(m). 310 (3)(a) Unless expressly allowed under this section or another statutory provision, the 311 treasurer may not add an amount to be collected to the property tax notice. 312 (b) If the county treasurer adds an amount to be collected to the property tax notice 313 under this section or another statutory provision that expressly authorizes the item's 314 inclusion on the property tax notice: 315 (i) the amount constitutes a tax notice charge; and 316 (ii)(A) the tax notice charge has the same priority as property tax; and 317 (B) a delinquency of the tax notice charge triggers a tax sale, in accordance with 318 Section 59-2-1343. 319 (4) For any property for which property taxes or tax notice charges are delinquent, the 320 notice described in Subsection (2) shall state, "Prior taxes or tax notice charges are 321 delinquent on this parcel." 322 (5) Except as provided in Subsection (6), the county treasurer shall: 323 (a) mail the notice required by this section, postage prepaid; or 324 (b) leave the notice required by this section at the taxpayer's residence or usual place of 325 business, if known. 326 (6)(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Subsection (6), a county treasurer may, at 327 the county treasurer's discretion, provide the notice required by this section by 328 electronic mail if a taxpayer makes an election, according to procedures determined - 10 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 329 by the county treasurer, to receive the notice by electronic mail. 330 (b) A taxpayer may revoke an election to receive the notice required by this section by 331 electronic mail if the taxpayer provides written notice to the treasurer on or before 332 October 1. 333 (c) A revocation of an election under this section does not relieve a taxpayer of the duty 334 to pay a tax or tax notice charge due under this chapter on or before the due date for 335 paying the tax or tax notice charge. 336 (d) A county treasurer shall provide the notice required by this section using a method 337 described in Subsection (5), until a taxpayer makes a new election in accordance with 338 this Subsection (6), if: 339 (i) the taxpayer revokes an election in accordance with Subsection (6)(b) to receive 340 the notice required by this section by electronic mail; or 341 (ii) the county treasurer finds that the taxpayer's electronic mail address is invalid. 342 (e) A person is considered to be a taxpayer for purposes of this Subsection (6) regardless 343 of whether the property that is the subject of the notice required by this section is 344 exempt from taxation. 345 (7)(a) The county treasurer shall provide the notice required by this section to a taxpayer 346 on or before November 1. 347 (b) The county treasurer shall keep on file in the county treasurer's office the information 348 set forth in the notice. 349 (c) The county treasurer is not required to mail a tax receipt acknowledging payment. 350 (8) This section does not apply to property taxed under Section 59-2-1302 or 59-2-1307. 351 (9)(a) A taxpayer who pays less than the full amount due on the taxpayer's property tax 352 notice may, on a form provided by the county treasurer, direct how the county 353 treasurer allocates the partial payment between: 354 (i) the total amount due for property tax; 355 (ii) the amount due for assessments, past due special district fees, and other tax notice 356 charges; and 357 (iii) any other amounts due on the property tax notice. 358 (b) The county treasurer shall comply with a direction submitted to the county treasurer 359 in accordance with Subsection (9)(a). 360 (c) The provisions of this Subsection (9) do not: 361 (i) affect the right or ability of a local entity to pursue any available remedy for 362 non-payment of any item listed on a taxpayer's property tax notice; or - 11 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 363 (ii) toll or otherwise change any time period related to a remedy described in 364 Subsection (9)(c)(i). 365 Section 5. Section 59-2-1331 is amended to read: 366 59-2-1331 . Property tax due date -- Date tax is delinquent -- Penalty -- Interest -- 367 Payments -- Refund of prepayment. 368 (1)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b) and subject to Subsections (1)(c) and (d), 369 all property taxes, unless otherwise specifically provided for under Section 59-2-1332, 370 or other law, and any tax notice charges, are due on November 30 of each year 371 following the date of levy. 372 (b) If November 30 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday: 373 (i) the date of the next following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday shall 374 be substituted in Subsection (1)(a) and Subsection 59-2-1332(1) for November 30; 375 and 376 (ii) the date of the day occurring 30 days after the date under Subsection (1)(b)(i) 377 shall be substituted in Subsection 59-2-1332(1) for December 30. 378 (c) If a property tax is paid or postmarked after the due date described in this Subsection 379 (1) the property tax is delinquent. 380 (d) A county treasurer or other public official, public entity, or public employee may not 381 require the payment of a property tax before the due date described in this Subsection 382 (1). 383 (2)(a) Except as provided in Subsections (2)(e), (f), and [(g)(i)] (g), for each parcel, all 384 delinquent taxes and tax notice charges on each separately assessed parcel are subject 385 to a penalty of 2.5% of the amount of the delinquent taxes and tax notice charges or 386 $10, whichever is greater. 387 (b) Unless the delinquent taxes and tax notice charges, together with the penalty, are 388 paid on or before January 31, the amount of taxes and tax notice charges and penalty 389 shall bear interest on a per annum basis from the January 1 immediately following 390 the delinquency date. 391 (c) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(d), for purposes of Subsection (2)(b), the 392 interest rate is equal to the sum of: 393 (i) 6%; and 394 (ii) the federal funds rate target: 395 (A) established by the Federal Open Markets Committee; and 396 (B) that exists on the January 1 immediately following the date of delinquency. - 12 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 397 (d) The interest rate described in Subsection (2)(c) may not be: 398 (i) less than 7%; or 399 (ii) more than 10%. 400 (e) The penalty described in Subsection (2)(a) is 1% of the amount of the delinquent 401 taxes and tax notice charges or $10, whichever is greater, if all delinquent taxes, all 402 tax notice charges, and the penalty are paid on or before the January 31 immediately 403 following the delinquency date. 404 (f) This section does not apply to the costs, charges, and interest rate accruing on any tax 405 notice charge related to an assessment assessed in accordance with: 406 (i) Title 11, Chapter 42, Assessment Area Act; or 407 (ii) Title 11, Chapter 42a, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Act. 408 (g)(i) The county shall waive any penalty or interest for a property granted a deferral 409 in accordance with Section 59-2-1802.1 from the day of the delinquency through 410 the end of the deferral period. 411 (ii) For a property granted a deferral in accordance with Section 59-2-1802 or 412 59-2-1802.5, from the day of the delinquency through the end of the deferral 413 period: 414 (A) the county shall waive the penalty described in Subsection (2)(a); and 415 (B) interest accrues on deferred taxes and tax notice charges in accordance with 416 Subsection 59-2-1802(8) or 59-2-1802.5(8), as applicable. 417 [(ii)] (iii) Penalties and interest accrue in accordance with this Subsection (2) on any 418 tax or tax notice charge that is delinquent after the deferral period ends. 419 (3)(a) If the delinquency exceeds one year, the amount of taxes, tax notice charges, and 420 penalties for that year and all succeeding years shall bear interest until settled in full 421 through redemption or tax sale. 422 (b) The interest rate to be applied shall be calculated for each year as established under 423 Subsection (2) and shall apply on each individual year's delinquency until paid. 424 (4) The county treasurer may accept and credit on account against taxes and tax notice 425 charges becoming due during the current year, at any time before or after the tax rates 426 are adopted, but not subsequent to the date of delinquency, either: 427 (a) payments in amounts of not less than $10; or 428 (b) the full amount of the unpaid tax and tax notice charges. 429 (5)(a) At any time before the county treasurer provides the tax notice described in 430 Section 59-2-1317, the county treasurer may refund amounts accepted and credited - 13 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 431 on account against taxes and tax notice charges becoming due during the current year. 432 (b) Upon recommendation by the county treasurer, the county legislative body shall 433 adopt rules or ordinances to implement the provisions of this Subsection (5). 434 Section 6. Section 59-2-1343 is amended to read: 435 59-2-1343 . Tax sale listing. 436 (1)(a) If any property is not redeemed by March 15 following the lapse of four years 437 from the date when any item in Subsection (1)(b) became delinquent, the county 438 treasurer shall immediately file a listing with the county auditor of all properties 439 whose redemption period is expiring in the nearest forthcoming tax sale to pay all 440 outstanding property taxes and tax notice charges. 441 (b) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c), a delinquency of any of the following 442 triggers the tax sale process described in Subsection (1)(a): 443 (i) property tax; or 444 (ii) a tax notice charge. 445 (c) A property tax or a tax notice charge that is deferred in accordance with Section 446 59-2-1802.1 is delinquent only if full payment of the property tax and any tax notice 447 charges is not made before the end of the five-year deferral period. 448 (d) Taxes and tax notice charges deferred in accordance with Section 59-2-1802 or 449 59-2-1802.5 become delinquent only if full payment of the following is not made 450 before the end of the deferral period: 451 (i) the taxes and tax notice charges deferred during the deferral period; and 452 (ii) interest accrued on the taxes and tax notice charges described in Subsection 453 (1)(d)(i). 454 (2) The listing is known as the "tax sale listing." 455 The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill. 456 Section 7. Section 59-2-1801 is amended to read: 457 59-2-1801 . Definitions. 458 As used in this part: 459 (1) "Abatement" means a tax abatement described in Section 59-2-1803. 460 (2) "Adjusted property tax amount" means the amount of property taxes levied on an 461 eligible owner's primary residence that the eligible owner is required to pay for a 462 calendar year in which the eligible owner receives a deferral under this part. 463 (3) "Base year property tax amount" means: 464 (a) for a calendar year in which an eligible owner did not receive a deferral under this - 14 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 465 part for the preceding calendar year, the amount of property taxes levied on the 466 eligible owner's primary residence for the preceding calendar year; and 467 (b) for a calendar year in which an eligible owner received a deferral under this part for 468 the preceding calendar year, the amount of property taxes levied on the eligible 469 owner's primary residence for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar 470 year for which the eligible owner first received the deferral. 471 (4) "Current year property tax amount" means the amount of property taxes levied on an 472 eligible owner's primary residence for the current calendar year. 473 [(2)] (5) "Deferral" means a postponement of a tax due date or a tax notice charge granted in 474 accordance with Section 59-2-1802, 59-2-1802.1, or 59-2-1802.5. 475 [(3) "Eligible owner" means an owner of an attached or a detached single-family residence:] 476 [(a)(i) who is 75 years old or older on or before December 31 of the year in which 477 the individual applies for a deferral under this part;] 478 [(ii) whose household income does not exceed 200% of the maximum household 479 income certified to a homeowner's credit described in Section 59-2-1208; and] 480 [(iii) whose household liquid resources do not exceed 20 times the amount of 481 property taxes levied on the owner's residence for the preceding calendar year; or] 482 [(b) that is a trust described in Section 59-2-1805 if the grantor of the trust is an 483 individual described in Subsection (3)(a).] 484 (6) "Eligible owner" means: 485 (a) for a deferral under Section 59-2-1802, an owner of an attached or detached 486 single-family residence: 487 (i)(A) who uses the residence as the owner's primary residence as of January 1 of 488 the calendar year for which the owner applies for the deferral; 489 (B) who owns the residence for at least one year as of January 1 of the calendar 490 year for which the owner applies for the deferral; 491 (C) whose household income does not exceed $50,000; and 492 (D) whose household liquid resources do not exceed 20 times the amount of 493 property taxes levied on the residence for the preceding calendar year; or 494 (ii) that is a trust described in Section 59-2-1805 if the grantor of the trust is an 495 individual described in Subsection (6)(a)(i); and 496 (b) for a deferral under Section 59-2-1802.5, an owner of an attached or detached 497 single-family residence: 498 (i)(A) who uses the residence as the owner's primary residence as of January 1 of - 15 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 499 the calendar year for which the owner applies for the deferral; 500 (B) who owns the residence for at least one year as of January 1 of the calendar 501 year for which the owner applies for the deferral; 502 (C) who is 65 years old or older on or before December 31 of the calendar year for 503 which the owner applies for the deferral; 504 (D) whose household income does not exceed $60,000; and 505 (E) whose household liquid resources do not exceed 20 times the amount of 506 property taxes levied on the residence for the preceding calendar year; or 507 (ii) that is a trust described in Section 59-2-1805 if the grantor of the trust is an 508 individual described in Subsection (6)(b)(i). 509 [(4)] (7) "Household" means the same as that term is defined in Section 59-2-1202. 510 [(5)] (8) "Household income" means the same as that term is defined in Section 59-2-1202. 511 [(6)] (9) "Household liquid resources" means the following resources that are not included 512 in an individual's household income and held by one or more members of the 513 individual's household: 514 (a) cash on hand; 515 (b) money in a checking or savings account; 516 (c) savings certificates; and 517 (d) stocks or bonds. 518 [(7)] (10) "Indigent individual" means a poor individual as described in Utah Constitution, 519 Article XIII, Section 3, Subsection (4), who: 520 (a)(i) is at least 65 years old; or 521 (ii) is less than 65 years old and: 522 (A) the county finds that extreme hardship would prevail on the individual if the 523 county does not defer or abate the individual's taxes; or 524 (B) the individual has a disability; 525 (b) has a total household income, as defined in Section 59-2-1202, of less than the 526 maximum household income certified to a homeowner's credit described in Section 527 59-2-1208; 528 (c) resides for at least 10 months of the year in the residence that would be subject to the 529 requested abatement or deferral; and 530 (d) cannot pay the tax assessed on the individual's residence when the tax becomes due. 531 [(8)] (11) "Property taxes due" means the taxes due on an indigent individual's property: 532 (a) for which a county granted an abatement under Section 59-2-1803; and - 16 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 533 (b) for the calendar year for which the county grants the abatement. 534 [(9)] (12) "Property taxes paid" means an amount equal to the sum of: 535 (a) the amount of property taxes the indigent individual paid for the taxable year for 536 which the indigent individual applied for the abatement; and 537 (b) the amount of the abatement the county grants under Section 59-2-1803. 538 [(10)] (13) "Qualifying increase" means a valuation that is equal to or more than 150% 539 higher than the previous year's valuation for property that: 540 (a) is county assessed; and 541 (b) on or after January 1 of the previous year and before January 1 of the current year 542 has not had: 543 (i) a physical improvement if the fair market value of the physical improvement 544 increases enough to result in the valuation increase solely as a result of the 545 physical improvement; 546 (ii) a zoning change if the fair market value of the real property increases enough to 547 result in the valuation increase solely as a result of the zoning change; or 548 (iii) a change in the legal description of the real property, if the fair market value of 549 the real property increases enough to result in the valuation increase solely as a 550 result of the change in the legal description of the real property. 551 [(11)] (14) "Relative" means a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, 552 parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or a 553 spouse of any of these individuals. 554 [(12)] (15) "Residence" means real property where an individual resides, including: 555 (a) a mobile home, as defined in Section 41-1a-102; or 556 (b) a manufactured home, as defined in Section 41-1a-102. 557 [(13)] (16) "Tax notice charge" means the same as that term is defined in Section 558 59-2-1301.5. 559 The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill. 560 Section 8. Section 59-2-1802 is repealed and reenacted to read: 561 59-2-1802 . Discretionary deferral for eligible owners. 562 (1) An owner of an attached or detached single-family residence may apply to the county 563 for a discretionary deferral under this section for postponement of a portion of the 564 property taxes due on the owner's residence if: 565 (a) the owner qualifies as an eligible owner under Subsection 59-2-1801(6)(a); 566 (b) the owner discloses all outstanding mortgages on the residence; - 17 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 567 (c) the owner is not receiving any of the following forms of property tax relief for the 568 same residence: 569 (i) the homeowner's credit under Section 59-2-1208; 570 (ii) a deferral under Section 59-2-1802.5; or 571 (iii) an abatement under Section 59-2-1803; and 572 (d) there are no delinquent property taxes, delinquent tax notice charges, or outstanding 573 penalties, interest, or administrative costs related to a delinquent property tax or a 574 delinquent tax notice charge due on the owner's residence, other than: 575 (i) taxes and tax notice charges previously deferred under this section; and 576 (ii) interest accrued on the taxes and tax notice charges described in Subsection 577 (1)(d)(i). 578 (2) A county may grant an application for a deferral under this section if: 579 (a) the county determines that the applicant meets the conditions of Subsection (1); and 580 (b) the applicant complies with the other applicable provisions of this part. 581 (3) Of the total amount of taxes and tax notice charges levied on an eligible owner's 582 primary residence for a calendar year in which the eligible owner receives a deferral 583 under this section: 584 (a) the adjusted property tax amount is 50% of the lesser of: 585 (i) the base year property tax amount; and 586 (ii) the current year property tax amount; and 587 (b) the amount deferred is the amount exceeding the adjusted property tax amount. 588 (4)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), the deferral period under this section is 589 one year. 590 (b) The county may extend the deferral period for one or more subsequent one-year 591 periods if, for each subsequent calendar year in which the eligible owner seeks to 592 extend the deferral period: 593 (i) the eligible owner applies for an extension of the deferral; 594 (ii) the county determines that the eligible owner has continued to meet the 595 conditions of Subsection (1); and 596 (iii) the eligible owner complies with the other applicable provisions of this part. 597 (c) For purposes of Subsections 59-2-1331(2)(g)(ii) and 59-2-1343(1)(d), the deferral 598 period ends on the last day of: 599 (i) the initial one-year deferral period, if the county does not extend the deferral 600 period under Subsection (4)(b); or - 18 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 601 (ii) the final one-year deferral period subsequently granted, if the county extends the 602 deferral period under Subsection (4)(b). 603 (5)(a) Taxes and tax notice charges deferred under this section accumulate with interest 604 and applicable recording fees as a lien against the residential property. 605 (b) A lien described in this Subsection (5): 606 (i) has the same legal status as a lien described in Section 59-2-1325; and 607 (ii) is subordinate to any mortgage on the property. 608 (c) To release the lien described in this Subsection (5), except as provided in 609 Subsections (5)(d) through (f), an eligible owner shall pay the total amount subject to 610 the lien: 611 (i) upon the eligible owner selling or otherwise disposing of the residential property; 612 or 613 (ii) when the residential property is no longer the eligible owner's primary residence. 614 (d)(i) An eligible owner that receives a deferral under this section does not have to 615 pay the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, or applicable recording fees 616 when the residential property transfers to the eligible owner's surviving spouse as 617 a result of the eligible owner's death. 618 (ii) After the residential property transfers to the eligible owner's surviving spouse, 619 the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, and applicable recording fees are 620 due: 621 (A) upon the surviving spouse selling or otherwise disposing of the residential 622 property; or 623 (B) when the residential property is no longer the surviving spouse's primary 624 residence. 625 (e)(i) An eligible owner that receives a deferral under this section does not have to 626 pay the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, or applicable recording fees 627 when the residential property transfers between the eligible owner and a trust 628 described in Section 59-2-1805 if: 629 (A) the eligible owner is the grantor of the trust; and 630 (B) the residential property remains the eligible owner's primary residence. 631 (ii) After the residential property transfers between the eligible owner and a trust 632 described in Subsection (5)(e)(i), the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, 633 and applicable recording fees are due when the residential property is no longer 634 the eligible owner's primary residence. - 19 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 635 (f)(i) An eligible owner that receives a deferral under this section does not have to 636 pay the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, or applicable recording fees 637 when the residential property transfers between the eligible owner and a special 638 needs trust as described in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396p(d)(4) if the beneficiary of the 639 trust qualifies as an eligible owner under Subsection 59-2-1801(6)(a). 640 (ii) After the residential property transfers to a special needs trust described in 641 Subsection (5)(f)(i), the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, and applicable 642 recording fees are due: 643 (A) upon the sale or disposal of the residential property; or 644 (B) when the residential property is no longer the primary residence of the 645 beneficiary of the trust described in Subsection (5)(f)(i). 646 (g) When the deferral period ends: 647 (i) the lien becomes due and subject to the collection procedures described in Section 648 59-2-1331; and 649 (ii) the date of levy is the date that the deferral period ends. 650 (6)(a) If a county grants an eligible owner more than one deferral under this section for 651 the same residential property, including an extension of the deferral period under 652 Subsection (4)(b), the county is not required to submit for recording more than one 653 lien. 654 (b) Each subsequent deferral relates back to the date of the initial lien filing. 655 (7)(a) For each residential property for which the county grants a deferral under this 656 section, the county treasurer shall maintain a record that is an itemized account of the 657 total amount of deferred property taxes and deferred tax notice charges subject to the 658 lien. 659 (b) The record described in this Subsection (7) is the official record of the amount of the 660 lien. 661 (8) Notwithstanding Subsection 59-2-1331(2)(c), taxes and tax notice charges deferred 662 under this section bear interest at a rate of 2%. 663 (9) A county may not require approval from lien holders for residential property that is 664 subject to a mortgage or trust deed to receive a deferral under this section. 665 (10) A county that grants a deferral to an eligible owner under this section shall: 666 (a) provide notice of the adjusted property tax amount to the holder of each mortgage or 667 trust deed outstanding on the residential property; and 668 (b) refund to the eligible owner any amount of property taxes paid by the eligible owner - 20 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 669 during the deferral period in excess of the adjusted property tax amount. 670 The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill. 671 Section 9. Section 59-2-1802.5 is repealed and reenacted to read: 672 59-2-1802.5 . Nondiscretionary deferral for eligible owners. 673 (1) An owner of an attached or detached single-family residence may apply to the county 674 for a nondiscretionary deferral under this section for postponement of a portion of the 675 property taxes due on the eligible owner's residence if: 676 (a) the owner qualifies as an eligible owner under Subsection 59-2-1801(6)(b); 677 (b) the owner discloses all outstanding mortgages on the residence, none of which is a 678 reverse mortgage; 679 (c) the assessed value of the residence, as listed on the valuation notice sent in 680 accordance with Section 59-2-919.1, is greater than the amount of any outstanding 681 mortgage on the residence by 5% or more; 682 (d) the owner is not receiving any of the following forms of property tax relief for the 683 same residence: 684 (i) the homeowner's credit under Section 59-2-1208; 685 (ii) a deferral under Section 59-2-1802; or 686 (iii) an abatement under Section 59-2-1803; and 687 (e) there are no delinquent property taxes, delinquent tax notice charges, or outstanding 688 penalties, interest, or administrative costs related to a delinquent property tax or a 689 delinquent tax notice charge due on the owner's residence, other than: 690 (i) taxes and tax notice charges previously deferred under this section; and 691 (ii) accrued interest on the taxes and tax notice charges described in Subsection 692 (1)(e)(i). 693 (2) A county shall grant an application for a deferral under this section if: 694 (a) the county determines that the applicant meets the conditions of Subsection (1); and 695 (b) the applicant complies with the other applicable provisions of this part. 696 (3) Of the total amount of taxes and tax notice charges levied on an eligible owner's 697 primary residence for a calendar year in which the eligible owner receives a deferral 698 under this section: 699 (a) the adjusted property tax amount is 75% of the lesser of: 700 (i) the base year property tax amount; and 701 (ii) the current year property tax amount; and 702 (b) the amount deferred is the amount exceeding the adjusted property tax amount. - 21 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 703 (4)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), the deferral period under this section is 704 one year. 705 (b) The county shall extend the deferral period for one or more subsequent one-year 706 periods if, for each subsequent calendar year in which the eligible owner seeks to 707 extend the deferral period: 708 (i) the eligible owner applies for an extension of the deferral; 709 (ii) the county determines that the eligible owner has continued to meet the 710 conditions of Subsection (1); and 711 (iii) the eligible owner complies with the other applicable provisions of this part. 712 (c) For purposes of Subsections 59-2-1331(2)(g)(ii) and 59-2-1343(1)(d), the deferral 713 period ends on the last day of: 714 (i) the initial one-year deferral period, if the county does not extend the deferral 715 period under Subsection (4)(b); or 716 (ii) the final one-year deferral period subsequently granted, if the county extends the 717 deferral period under Subsection (4)(b). 718 (5)(a) Taxes and tax notice charges deferred under this section accumulate with interest 719 and applicable recording fees as a lien against the residential property. 720 (b) A lien described in this Subsection (5) has the same legal status as a lien described in 721 Section 59-2-1325. 722 (c) To release the lien described in this Subsection (5), except as provided in 723 Subsections (5)(d) through (f), an eligible owner shall pay the total amount subject to 724 the lien: 725 (i) upon the eligible owner selling or otherwise disposing of the residential property; 726 or 727 (ii) when the residential property is no longer the eligible owner's primary residence. 728 (d)(i) An eligible owner that receives a deferral under this section does not have to 729 pay the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, or applicable recording fees 730 when the residential property transfers to the eligible owner's surviving spouse as 731 a result of the eligible owner's death. 732 (ii) After the residential property transfers to the eligible owner's surviving spouse, 733 the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, and applicable recording fees are 734 due: 735 (A) upon the surviving spouse selling or otherwise disposing of the residential 736 property; or - 22 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 737 (B) when the residential property is no longer the surviving spouse's primary 738 residence. 739 (e)(i) An eligible owner that receives a deferral under this section does not have to 740 pay the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, or applicable recording fees 741 when the residential property transfers between the eligible owner and a trust 742 described in Section 59-2-1805 if: 743 (A) the eligible owner is the grantor of the trust; and 744 (B) the residential property remains the eligible owner's primary residence. 745 (ii) After the residential property transfers between the eligible owner and a trust 746 described in Subsection (5)(e)(i), the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, 747 and applicable recording fees are due when the residential property is no longer 748 the eligible owner's primary residence. 749 (f)(i) An eligible owner that receives a deferral under this section does not have to 750 pay the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, or applicable recording fees 751 when the residential property transfers between the eligible owner and a special 752 needs trust as described in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396p(d)(4) if the beneficiary of the 753 trust qualifies as an eligible owner under Subsection 59-2-1801(6)(b). 754 (ii) After the residential property transfers to a special needs trust described in 755 Subsection (5)(f)(i), the deferred taxes, deferred tax notice charges, and applicable 756 recording fees are due: 757 (A) upon the sale or disposal of the residential property; or 758 (B) when the residential property is no longer the primary residence of the 759 beneficiary of the trust described in Subsection (5)(f)(i). 760 (g) When the deferral period ends: 761 (i) the lien becomes due and subject to the collection procedures described in Section 762 59-2-1331; and 763 (ii) the date of levy is the date that the deferral period ends. 764 (6)(a) If a county grants an eligible owner more than one deferral under this section for 765 the same residential property, including an extension of the deferral period under 766 Subsection (4)(b), the county is not required to submit for recording more than one 767 lien. 768 (b) Each subsequent deferral relates back to the date of the initial lien filing. 769 (7)(a) For each residential property for which the county grants a deferral under this 770 section, the county treasurer shall maintain a record that is an itemized account of the - 23 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 771 total amount of deferred property taxes and deferred tax notice charges subject to the 772 lien. 773 (b) The record described in this Subsection (7) is the official record of the amount of the 774 lien. 775 (8) Notwithstanding Subsection 59-2-1331(2)(c), taxes and tax notice charges deferred 776 under this section bear interest at a rate of 3%. 777 (9) A county may not require approval from lien holders for residential property that is 778 subject to a mortgage or trust deed to receive a deferral under this section. 779 (10) A county that grants a deferral to an eligible owner under this section shall: 780 (a) provide notice of the adjusted property tax amount to the holder of each mortgage or 781 trust deed outstanding on the residential property; and 782 (b) refund to the eligible owner any amount of property taxes paid by the eligible owner 783 during the deferral period in excess of the adjusted property tax amount. 784 Section 10. Section 59-2-1803 is amended to read: 785 59-2-1803 . Tax abatement for indigent individuals -- Maximum amount -- 786 Refund. 787 (1) In accordance with this part, a county may remit or abate the taxes of an indigent 788 individual: 789 (a) if the indigent individual owned the property as of January 1 of the year for which 790 the county remits or abates the taxes; [and] 791 (b) if the indigent individual, for a calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2026, 792 received an abatement under this section for the same property at least once within 793 the previous two calendar years; 794 (c) if the indigent individual is not receiving any of the following forms of property tax 795 relief for the same property: 796 (i) the homeowner's credit under Section 59-2-1208; or 797 (ii) a deferral under Section 59-2-1802 or 59-2-1802.5; and 798 [(b)] (d) in an amount not more than the lesser of: 799 (i) the [amount provided as a homeowner's] maximum amount available as a renter's 800 credit for the lowest household income bracket as described in Section [59-2-1208] 801 59-2-1209; or 802 (ii) 50% of the total tax levied for the indigent individual for the current year. 803 (2) A county that grants an abatement to an indigent individual shall refund to the indigent 804 individual an amount that is equal to the amount by which the indigent individual's - 24 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 805 property taxes paid exceed the indigent individual's property taxes due, if the amount is 806 at least $1. 807 The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill. 808 Section 11. Section 59-2-1804 is amended to read: 809 59-2-1804 . Application for tax deferral or tax abatement. 810 (1)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b) or (2), an applicant for deferral or 811 abatement for the current tax year shall annually file an application on or before 812 September 1 with the county in which the applicant's property is located. 813 (b) If a county finds good cause exists, the county may extend until December 31 the 814 deadline described in Subsection (1)(a). 815 (c) An indigent individual may apply and potentially qualify for deferral, abatement, or 816 both. 817 (2)(a) A county shall extend the default application deadline by one additional year if the 818 applicant had been approved for a deferral under this part in the prior year; or 819 (b) the county determines that: 820 (i) the applicant or a member of the applicant's immediate family had an illness or 821 injury that prevented the applicant from filing the application on or before the 822 default application deadline; 823 (ii) a member of the applicant's immediate family died during the calendar year of the 824 default application deadline; 825 (iii) the failure of the applicant to file the application on or before the default 826 application deadline was beyond the reasonable control of the applicant; or 827 (iv) denial of an application would be unjust or unreasonable. 828 (3)[(a)] An applicant shall include in an application a signed statement that describes the 829 eligibility of the applicant for deferral or abatement. 830 [(b) For an application for a deferral under Section 59-2-1802.5, the requirements 831 described in Subsection (3)(a) include:] 832 [(i) proof that the applicant resides at the single-family residence for which the 833 applicant seeks the deferral;] 834 [(ii) proof of age; and] 835 [(iii) proof of household income.] 836 (4) Both spouses shall sign an application if the application seeks a deferral or abatement on 837 a residence: 838 (a) in which both spouses reside; and - 25 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 839 (b) that the spouses own as joint tenants. 840 (5) If an applicant is dissatisfied with a county's decision on the applicant's application for 841 deferral or abatement, the applicant may appeal the decision to the commission in 842 accordance with Section 59-2-1006. 843 (6) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the 844 commission may make rules to implement this section. 845 Section 12. Section 63J-1-602.2 is amended to read: 846 63J-1-602.2 . List of nonlapsing appropriations to programs. 847 Appropriations made to the following programs are nonlapsing: 848 (1) The Legislature and the Legislature's committees. 849 (2) The State Board of Education, including all appropriations to agencies, line items, and 850 programs under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education, in accordance with 851 Section 53F-9-103. 852 (3) The Rangeland Improvement Act created in Section 4-20-101. 853 (4) The Percent-for-Art Program created in Section 9-6-404. 854 (5) The LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund created in Section 4-46-301. 855 (6) The Utah Lake Authority created in Section 11-65-201. 856 (7) Dedicated credits accrued to the Utah Marriage Commission as provided under 857 Subsection 17-16-21(2)(d)(ii). 858 (8) The Wildlife Land and Water Acquisition Program created in Section 23A-6-205. 859 (9) Sanctions collected as dedicated credits from Medicaid providers under Subsection 860 26B-3-108(7). 861 (10) The primary care grant program created in Section 26B-4-310. 862 (11) The Opiate Overdose Outreach Pilot Program created in Section 26B-4-512. 863 (12) The Utah Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program created in Section 864 26B-4-702. 865 (13) The Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program created in Section 26B-4-703. 866 (14) The Utah Medical Education Council for the: 867 (a) administration of the Utah Medical Education Program created in Section 26B-4-707; 868 (b) provision of medical residency grants described in Section 26B-4-711; and 869 (c) provision of the forensic psychiatric fellowship grant described in Section 26B-4-712. 870 (15) The Division of Services for People with Disabilities, as provided in Section 26B-6-402. 871 (16) The Communication Habits to reduce Adolescent Threats (CHAT) Pilot Program 872 created in Section 26B-7-122. - 26 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 873 (17) Funds that the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services retains in accordance with 874 Subsection 32B-2-301(8)(a) or (b). 875 (18) The General Assistance program administered by the Department of Workforce 876 Services, as provided in Section 35A-3-401. 877 (19) The Utah National Guard, created in Title 39A, National Guard and Militia Act. 878 (20) The Search and Rescue Financial Assistance Program, as provided in Section 879 53-2a-1102. 880 (21) The Emergency Medical Services Grant Program in Section 53-2d-207. 881 (22) The Motorcycle Rider Education Program, as provided in Section 53-3-905. 882 (23) The Utah Board of Higher Education for teacher preparation programs, as provided in 883 Section 53B-6-104. 884 (24) Innovation grants under Section 53G-10-608, except as provided in Subsection 885 53G-10-608(6). 886 (25) The Division of Fleet Operations for the purpose of upgrading underground storage 887 tanks under Section 63A-9-401. 888 (26) The Division of Technology Services for technology innovation as provided under 889 Section 63A-16-903. 890 (27) The State Capitol Preservation Board created by Section 63O-2-201. 891 (28) The Office of Administrative Rules for publishing, as provided in Section 63G-3-402. 892 (29) The Colorado River Authority of Utah, created in Title 63M, Chapter 14, Colorado 893 River Authority of Utah Act. 894 (30) The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity to fund the Enterprise Zone Act, as 895 provided in Title 63N, Chapter 2, Part 2, Enterprise Zone Act. 896 (31) The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity's Rural Employment Expansion 897 Program, as described in Title 63N, Chapter 4, Part 4, Rural Employment Expansion 898 Program. 899 (32) County correctional facility contracting program for state inmates as described in 900 Section 64-13e-103. 901 (33) County correctional facility reimbursement program for state probationary inmates and 902 state parole inmates as described in Section 64-13e-104. 903 (34) Programs for the Jordan River Recreation Area as described in Section 65A-2-8. 904 (35) The Division of Human Resource Management user training program, as provided in 905 Section 63A-17-106. 906 (36) A public safety answering point's emergency telecommunications service fund, as - 27 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 907 provided in Section 69-2-301. 908 (37) The Traffic Noise Abatement Program created in Section 72-6-112. 909 (38) The money appropriated from the Navajo Water Rights Negotiation Account to the 910 Division of Water Rights, created in Section 73-2-1.1, for purposes of participating in a 911 settlement of federal reserved water right claims. 912 (39) The Judicial Council for compensation for special prosecutors, as provided in Section 913 77-10a-19. 914 (40) A state rehabilitative employment program, as provided in Section 78A-6-210. 915 (41) The Utah Geological Survey, as provided in Section 79-3-401. 916 (42) The Bonneville Shoreline Trail Program created under Section 79-5-503. 917 (43) Adoption document access as provided in Sections 78B-6-141, 78B-6-144, and 918 78B-6-144.5. 919 (44) Indigent defense as provided in Title 78B, Chapter 22, Part 4, Utah Indigent Defense 920 Commission. 921 (45) The program established by the Division of Facilities Construction and Management 922 under Section 63A-5b-703 under which state agencies receive an appropriation and pay 923 lease payments for the use and occupancy of buildings owned by the Division of 924 Facilities Construction and Management. 925 [(46) The State Tax Commission for reimbursing counties for deferrals in accordance with 926 Section 59-2-1802.5.] 927 [(47)] (46) The Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program created in Section 4-2-902. 928 Section 13. Effective Date. 929 This bill takes effect on May 7, 2025. 930 Section 14. Retrospective operation. 931 This bill has retrospective operation for a taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 932 2025. 933 Section 15. Coordinating S.B. 197 with H.B. 20. 934 If S.B. 197, Property Tax Amendments, and H.B. 20, Property Tax Code Recodification, 935 both pass and become law, the Legislature intends that, on January 1, 2026: 936 (1) Section 59-2-1208, repealed and reenacted in S.B. 197, be renumbered to Section 937 59-2a-305; 938 (2)(a) Section 59-2-1209, repealed and reenacted in S.B. 197, be renumbered to Section 939 59-2a-205; and 940 (b) Subsection 59-2-1209(1)(b), enacted in S.B. 197, be replaced with the following - 28 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 941 language: 942 "(b) For a calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the commission 943 shall increase or decrease the household income eligibility amounts and the 944 maximum credit amounts under Subsection (1)(a) by a percentage equal to the 945 percentage difference between the consumer price index for the preceding calendar 946 year and the consumer price index for calendar year 2024."; 947 (3) the following definition be inserted alphabetically as a new subsection in Section 948 59-2a-101 (renumbered from Section 59-2-1202 in H.B. 20) and that the remaining 949 subsections be renumbered accordingly: 950 ""Adjusted property tax amount" means the amount of property taxes levied on an 951 eligible owner's primary residence that the eligible owner is required to pay for a 952 calendar year in which the eligible owner receives a deferral under this chapter."; 953 (4) the following definition be inserted alphabetically as a new subsection in Section 954 59-2a-101 (renumbered from Section 59-2-1202 in H.B. 20) and that the remaining 955 subsections be renumbered accordingly: 956 ""Base year property tax amount" means: 957 (a) for a calendar year in which an eligible owner did not receive a deferral under this 958 chapter for the preceding calendar year, the amount of property taxes levied on the 959 eligible owner's primary residence for the preceding calendar year; and 960 (b) for a calendar year in which an eligible owner received a deferral under this 961 chapter for the preceding calendar year, the amount of property taxes levied on the 962 eligible owner's primary residence for the calendar year immediately preceding the 963 calendar year for which the eligible owner first received the deferral."; 964 (5) the following definition be inserted alphabetically as a new subsection in Section 965 59-2a-101 (renumbered from Section 59-2-1202 in H.B. 20) and that the remaining 966 subsections be renumbered accordingly: 967 ""Current year property tax amount" means the amount of property taxes levied on an 968 eligible owner's primary residence for the current calendar year."; 969 (6) Subsection 59-2a-101(9), enacted in H.B. 20, be replaced with the following language: 970 ""Eligible owner" means: 971 (a) for a deferral under Section 59-2a-701, an owner of an attached or detached 972 single-family residence: 973 (i) (A) who uses the residence as the owner's primary residence as of January 1 of the 974 calendar year for which the owner applies for the deferral; - 29 - S.B. 197 Enrolled Copy 975 (B) who owns the residence for at least one year as of January 1 of the calendar year 976 for which the owner applies for the deferral; 977 (C) whose household income does not exceed $50,000; and 978 (D) whose household liquid resources do not exceed 20 times the amount of property 979 taxes levied on the residence for the preceding calendar year; or 980 (ii) that is a trust described in Section 59-2a-109 if the grantor of the trust is an 981 individual described in Subsection (6)(a)(i); and 982 (b) for a deferral under Section 59-2a-901, an owner of an attached or detached 983 single-family residence: 984 (i) (A) who uses the residence as the owner's primary residence as of January 1 of the 985 calendar year for which the owner applies for the deferral; 986 (B) who owns the residence for at least one year as of January 1 of the calendar year 987 for which the owner applies for the deferral; 988 (C) who is 65 years old or older on or before December 31 of the calendar year for 989 which the owner applies for the deferral; 990 (D) whose household income does not exceed $60,000; and 991 (E) whose household liquid resources do not exceed 20 times the amount of property 992 taxes levied on the residence for the preceding calendar year; or 993 (ii) that is a trust described in Section 59-2a-109 if the grantor of the trust is an 994 individual described in Subsection (6)(b)(i)."; 995 (7) Section 59-2-1802, repealed and reenacted in S.B. 197, be renumbered to Section 996 59-2a-701; 997 (8) Section 59-2-1802.5, repealed and reenacted in S.B. 197, be renumbered to Section 998 59-2a-901; 999 (9) Subsection 59-2a-702(1)(b), enacted in H.B. 20, be replaced with the following 1000 language: 1001 "(b) An indigent individual may apply and potentially qualify for deferral under this 1002 part, or both this part and Part 8, Nondiscretionary Deferral for Property with Qualifying 1003 Increase."; 1004 (10) Subsection 59-2a-802(2), enacted in H.B. 20, be replaced with the following language: 1005 "(2) An indigent individual may apply and potentially qualify for: 1006 (a) a deferral under this part; or 1007 (b) both a deferral under this part and one of the following: 1008 (i) a deferral under Part 7, Discretionary Deferral; - 30 - Enrolled Copy S.B. 197 1009 (ii) a deferral under Part 9, Nondiscretionary Deferral for Elderly Property Owners; or 1010 (iii) an abatement."; 1011 (11) Subsection 59-2a-902(1)(b), enacted in H.B. 20, be replaced with the following 1012 language: 1013 "(b) An indigent individual may apply and potentially qualify for deferral under this 1014 part, or both this part and Part 8, Nondiscretionary Deferral for Property with Qualifying 1015 Increase."; 1016 (12) Subsection 59-2a-902(3)(b), enacted in H.B. 20, not be enacted; and 1017 (13) Section 59-2a-903, enacted in H.B. 20, not be enacted. - 31 -