Legislature Approves Bill to Expand Tax Exemption for Veterans With “100 Percent” Disabilities – by Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel)

The California State Senate today unanimously approved Senate Bill 1458 by Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) that would expand eligibility for the state’s property tax exemption to military veterans who previously did not qualify. The State Assembly unanimously approved the bill on August 18. It will next go to Governor Jerry Brown for his consideration.

“I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature approved my bill to help veterans with 100 percent disabilities,” said Bates. “This bill is about tax fairness for veterans and I am hopeful Governor Brown will sign the bill into law.”

Senate Bill 1458 is sponsored by Board of Equalization Member George Runner and is part of the Senate Republican “Make California Affordable” bill package.

The bill makes California law consistent with federal law so that any veteran receiving service-connected disability benefits at 100 percent will be eligible to receive the state’s disabled veterans’ property tax exemption on their home. While some veterans have received a 100 percent disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, they are unable to qualify for California’s disabled veterans’ property tax exemption because they did not receive an Honorable Discharge, which California law requires.

Bates and numerous veterans groups believe a 100 percent disabled veteran should qualify for the state property tax exemption as long as they did not receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, and if they qualify for existing federal disability compensation benefits.

California’s Board of Equalization has said that SB 1458 would result in an annual property tax revenue loss of $127,000 for every 100 newly-qualified disabled veterans. While the number of people who could benefit from the bill is unknown, Bates believes that any minor revenue loss to the state is significantly outweighed by the sacrifices made by veterans with 100 percent disabilities.

SB 1458 is supported by veterans’ organizations including: the American G. I. Forum of California; AMVETS-Department of California; American Legion-Department of California; California Association of County Veteran Service Officers; VFW-Department of California; and Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council.

Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36^th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

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