The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses. It introduces a new section that establishes property tax exemptions based on the veteran's disability rating, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $12,000, and allows for a complete exemption from taxation for veterans with a 100% disability rating. The bill also mandates annual adjustments for these exemption amounts based on inflation starting January 1, 2026, and clarifies that only veterans receiving compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for these exemptions. Surviving spouses or domestic partners of deceased veterans can also qualify under specific age and residency requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding benefit charges imposed by cities and towns for fire department funding, requiring a sixty percent majority approval from voters for any benefit charge, which can only last for a maximum of six years unless reapproved. It introduces provisions for public hearings and notifications to property owners, as well as a review board for complaints regarding assessed charges. The bill also updates exemptions for individuals under certain income thresholds, allowing for partial exemptions based on income levels, and mandates the Department of Revenue to publish updated income thresholds every three years. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance transparency and fairness in property tax assessments while providing necessary financial relief to qualifying individuals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 84.36.381, 84.55.050, 35.13.256, 52.18.090, 52.26.270, 82.29A.120, 84.36.385, 84.36.387, 84.39.010, 84.40.178