Vail Acts to Create a Full Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

HARTFORD – The House of Representatives acted on H.B. 5491 – An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating. State Representative Kurt Vail (R-Stafford), who is the Ranking Member of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, spoke in favor of the legislation while it was under consideration during Monday’s session.

“I’ve spoken to veterans throughout my district, which covers Stafford, Somers, Union, and Woodstock, who have a total and permanent disability rating. This policy will have a positive impact on their lives. We also have phenomenal veterans service coordinators in our communities and their advocacy was integral to pushing this concept to a floor vote,” said Vail.

View Vail’s floor comments here.

Vail’s family, like many across the 52^nd District, has a long history of military service. His father and brothers served, which propelled his advocacy on this issue.

The bill calls for a 100% exemption of property tax or motor vehicle tax to those veterans who have a total and permanent disability, which is defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A permanent rating means the department has decided that the service-connected injury will have a long-lasting impact on the rest of the veteran’s life.

To qualify, former service members must have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, or Space Force; reside in Connecticut; and file for the exemption with their town assessor.

After debate, the legislation was approved through a unanimous vote of 143-0. It now heads to the State Senate for its action. For it to become state law, the Senate must act before the adjournment of the current legislative session, which is set for Wednesday, May 8^th.

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