Subcommittee approves HB 753 to set process for withholding property-tax assessments for terminal illness or medical hardship

House Bill 753 returned with an amendment requiring the Department of Assessments and Taxation, in consultation with the Department of Health, to define the terms "terminal illness" and "medical hardship" and to require counties to create a process for withholding of a dwelling assessment under those conditions.

Stan Ward summarized the amendment: it directs the state assessment agency to consult with health officials to set definitions and requires counties to provide an application process for homeowners, personal representatives, or family members to request withholding; the amendment also requires reapplication every two years for continuing medical issues.

A motion to adopt the amendment was moved and seconded, and the subcommittee then moved HB 753 favorable as amended with no recorded opposition. The chair closed the subcommittee’s business and adjourned.

The amendment puts definitional responsibility at the state-agency level and assigns counties the administrative task of implementing a reapplication process; delegates recorded no formal dissent on the floor during the vote as recorded in the transcript.