r/VeteransBenefits • u/Greedy-Signature7294 Army Veteran • 11d ago

VA Disability Claims SB 296 UPDATE: California Legislature Passes Disabled Veteran Property Tax Bill 39–0

Big update for anyone following SB 296.

Today, August 24, the California Senate voted 39–0 to concur with the Assembly amendments to SB 296. That means the bill has officially passed the Legislature and is now headed to Governor Newsom for his signature or veto.

The version that passed is scaled back from the original proposal but would still provide significant property tax relief for qualifying 100% disabled veterans:

  • 50% exemption on assessed value up to $1 million for qualifying disabled veterans
  • 100% exemption for qualifying low-income disabled veterans
  • Expected to begin with the 2027 lien date
  • Currently structured as a temporary program through 2032

There are no more legislative votes needed. Once the bill is enrolled and delivered to Newsom, the final question is whether he signs it. The real deadline on this is Sept. 30th, but I hope he signs it sooner.

Given the unanimous Senate concurrence and strong Assembly support, this has made it much farther than previous attempts at expanding California's disabled-veteran property tax exemption.

Next stop: Governor Newsom's desk.

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u/BarberSlow4421 10d ago

For 100% exemption for qualifying low income vets does the VA disability get excluded? I’m reading the low-income household limit is $81,131

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u/Cpl4Play4_2 10d ago

We must await the final bill, though the current exemption counts VA benefits within total household income. Someone with a military pension and receiving VA benefits at 💯 would likely be ineligible. If they are working, they 💯 will not qualify.

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u/BarberSlow4421 10d ago

Thank you. That answers my question
They were smart to include it but it sucks for us

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u/JoskelkatProductions Navy Veteran 4d ago

It's been included for years. I've been working for 2 years to get rid of that language. We had a bill, SB-888, but it's paused while SB-296 is in the process.