BILL NUMBER: S7192
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to a real proper-
ty tax exemption for property owned by persons employed as a police
officer in the state of New York
 
PURPOSE:
Provides a real property tax exemption for New York State police offi-
cers
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds a new section 446-o to the Real Property Tax Law to
establish definitions for the following terms: latest class ratio,
latest state equalization rate, qualified owner, and qualified residen-
tial real property.
This section also provides that each local governing body, after a
public hearing, may adopt a local law or regulation providing a real
property tax exemption for qualifying residential real property to a
qualified owner. The exemption would be 15% of the assessed value of the
property, but not exceed $12,000 or the product of $12,000 multiplied by
the latest state equalization rate of the assessing unit, or, if a
special assessing unit, the latest class ration, whichever is less. The
exemption would not apply to school taxes.
Additionally, this section provides that the tax exemption application
shall be made by the owner annually and the local governing body may
repeal the local law or regulation, provided the repeal occurs at least
90 days prior to the taxable status date of the locality.
§ 2. Creates an effective date of January 2nd succeeding the date it
becomes law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Real property tax exemptions reduce annual property tax liabilities,
making home ownership more affordable and thereby, provide financial
relief for those to whom the exemption applies. This legislation would
provide financial assistance to those considering law enforcement and to
those who are already serving, all while maintaining local control.
Localities would be required to have a public hearing before opting in
to any real property tax exemption and would be able to repeal such law
if necessary.
In a time when our police forces across New York State are dealing with
recruitment and retention challenges, offering a real property tax
exemption is one step in incentivizing and thanking those who serve and
protect us. In addition, these exemptions would foster much needed
community engagement by encouraging officers to reside in the areas they
serve.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the second day of January next succeeding
the date on which it shall become law and shall apply to real property
having a taxable status date of after such effective date.