Committee backs removing income cap for disabled‑veteran property tax exemption

The Senate committee voted to recommend Senate Bill 13‑65 as amended, an item that would change the state’s property‑tax exemption rules for qualifying veterans with total and permanent disabilities.

A presenter explained current statute grants property‑tax exemptions to qualifying veterans but enforces an income cap that can exclude veterans whose earned income or pension meets the threshold. The strike‑everything amendment would remove the statutory income cap for veterans who meet disability and other statutory qualifications, preserving the exemption for the veteran’s primary residence.

Committee members asked about edge cases (for example, a veteran who later acquires significant income) and the fiscal scope of the change. Sponsors said the policy intent is to honor veterans who served and sustained qualifying disabilities; no precise statewide cost estimate was provided in committee testimony though staff indicated the number of affected households is small.

After amendment votes and discussion, the committee recorded a 6‑0‑1 vote in favor of the amended bill and gave SB 13‑65 a do‑pass recommendation. The bill will proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration.