This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide a property tax exemption for eligible individuals, specifically targeting those who are 65 years or older, certified as permanently and totally disabled, or widowed with a gross income of less than $20,000 per year. The legislation introduces a new provision that exempts these individuals from increasing assessed value property taxes on their homesteads, ensuring that the assessed value and tax rate remain stable once they attain eligible status. The bill also maintains the existing $20,000 homestead exemption for property taxes for qualifying owners who have resided in West Virginia for at least two consecutive years.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the residency requirements for the homestead exemption and includes a provision that allows for the exemption to be preserved even if a court determines that the residency requirement violates federal law. The intent of this legislation is to protect vulnerable populations from rising property taxes, thereby enhancing their financial stability and ensuring they can remain in their homes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-6B-3