This bill amends RCW 84.39.010 to update the property tax exemption thresholds for widows and widowers of honorably discharged veterans. Key changes include lowering the age requirement from 62 to 62 years old, increasing the disability rating requirement from 100% for ten years to 100% for one or more years prior to death for former prisoners of war, and adjusting the income thresholds for eligibility. The bill specifies that the combined disposable income must be equal to or less than three new income thresholds, which replace the previous income limit of forty thousand dollars. Additionally, the assessed value thresholds for property tax exemptions have been increased, with the first $200,000 of assessed value for the lowest income threshold, $150,000 for the middle threshold, and $100,000 for the highest threshold.

The act is set to apply to taxes levied for collection in 2025 and thereafter, and it clarifies that certain existing laws (RCW 82.32.805 and 82.32.808) do not apply to this act, indicating the legislature's intent for the tax preference and its expansion to be permanent. Overall, the bill aims to provide greater financial relief to eligible widows and widowers of veterans by updating the criteria for property tax exemptions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 84.39.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 84.39.010
Session Law: 84.39.010