Permits a real property tax freeze to be granted to certain persons sixty-five years of age or older
What changed between versions
Eligibility for the freeze is now limited to cities with a population of one million or more, removing the option for smaller towns and villages to adopt the program.
The concept of a 'real property assessment freeze' was removed; the bill now only grants a 'real property tax freeze,' meaning the tax bill amount is fixed, but the underlying property value may still change.
The requirement for the property to be the owner's primary residence was modified to allow for a waiver if the owner is absent due to medical reasons or institutionalization.
New provisions were added to specify how the lien is collected after the freeze expires and to penalize applicants who make willful false statements on their applications.
The bill now requires cities to send a notice sixty days before the annual reapplication deadline to ensure eligible residents do not lose their freeze benefits.
