Delaware County Review

State Representative Brian Lorenz's proposed legislation to expand homestead exemptions for the surviving spouses of uniformed service members killed in action was recently presented to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The bill, known as House Bill 378 or the Gold Star Widow’s Bill, aims to provide property tax relief to those who have lost their spouses in the line of duty.

"This legislation is critically important to a surviving spouse," Lorenz stated. "While offering a tax exemption can never bring back their loved one, the State can provide support by reducing their financial burden and ease their fears of losing their home."

The bill proposes that all taxes on the surviving spouse’s homestead be exempted. It also seeks to raise the eligibility threshold from a household income of $38,600 to $52,300 for these individuals. This exemption would remain available until a surviving spouse dies, remarries, or cohabitates with another unrelated person.

Further hearings on this legislation are expected in the Senate committee.