Substitute Bill No. 1276 proposes significant amendments to property tax exemption laws for veterans, their families, and surviving spouses. The bill introduces property tax exemptions for veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, as well as for Gold Star spouses, allowing municipalities to adjust their grand lists and assessment processes accordingly. Key changes include the repeal and replacement of subdivision (83) of section 12-81, which clarifies that exemptions apply to dwellings owned by qualifying veterans or their spouses, contingent upon a disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also establishes provisions for surviving spouses and minor children of deceased veterans, ensuring they retain exemptions under specific conditions, and allows for retroactive abatement or refund of taxes for up to three years.

Additionally, the bill amends existing tax exemption provisions by repealing and replacing subdivision (20) of section 12-81, adjusting criteria based on disability ratings, and emphasizing the need for documentation to establish eligibility. It also clarifies the claiming process for exemptions, including those for residential dwellings on leased land and leased motor vehicles, and introduces a new property exemption for surviving spouses or minor children of deceased military personnel, reducing the previous exemption amount from three thousand dollars to one thousand dollars. The amendments aim to streamline the exemption process while ensuring proper verification and support for veterans and their families.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-93, 12-94, 12-95, 12-93a, 12-81cc
VA Joint Favorable Substitute: 12-93, 12-94, 12-95, 12-93a, 12-81cc
File No. 38: 12-93, 12-94, 12-95, 12-93a, 12-81cc
APP Joint Favorable: 12-93, 12-94, 12-95, 12-93a, 12-81cc
FIN Joint Favorable: 12-93, 12-94, 12-95, 12-93a, 12-81cc