The bill seeks to enhance property tax exemptions for service-connected disabled veterans and senior citizens by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Notable changes include lowering the age requirement for surviving spouses or domestic partners from 57 to 57 years old and adjusting income thresholds for exemption eligibility, which will now be updated every three years instead of every five. The bill also ensures that individuals receiving cost-of-living adjustments to their social security benefits will not lose their eligibility for these exemptions, while clarifying the calculation of combined disposable income and allowing for electronic filing of applications and renewals.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 84.36.381 to establish new income thresholds that will be adjusted based on county median household incomes and the consumer price index (CPI-U), with a maximum adjustment cap of one percent. It mandates the Department of Revenue to publish these updated thresholds every third year starting August 1, 2023, and to conduct statewide outreach to inform the public about the changes and application process, which will conclude on June 30, 2024. The bill also clarifies that certain existing laws will not apply to this act, ensuring a smooth implementation of the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 84.36.383, 84.36.385, 84.38.020
Substitute Bill: 84.36.381, 84.36.383, 84.36.385, 84.38.020
Bill as Passed Legislature: 84.36.381, 84.36.383, 84.36.385, 84.38.020
Session Law: 84.36.381, 84.36.383, 84.36.385, 84.38.020