In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation amending the Real Estate Tax Sale Law to protect senior homeowners facing financial hardship from losing their primary residence through tax-delinquency sales.

This legislation would prohibit the sale of a primary residence for delinquent property taxes when the homeowner is 65 years of age or older and can demonstrate financial hardship. Instead of a forced sale, existing tax liens would remain in place, interest and penalties would continue to accrue as provided by law, and taxing authorities would retain full collection rights upon transfer of the property or termination of eligibility.

This bill does not forgive taxes, reduce lien priority, or impair local governments’ ability to collect what is owed.  It simply pauses the sale while a qualifying senior remains in proven financial hardship.

To ensure accountability, the bill requires a periodic review of eligibility at least once every five years.  Protections terminate if the property is transferred, ceases to be the owner’s principal residence, or if hardship no longer exists.

This approach balances compassion with fiscal responsibility, prevents unnecessary displacement of seniors, and preserves the integrity of the property tax system.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.