Sponsor proposes incremental homestead exemption for seniors; supporters urge relief, opponents warn of large local revenue loss

Representative Christine Drazen on March 18 sponsored House Bill 3755, which would create an age‑ and income‑based property tax exemption for senior homeowners, and public testimony that day split between advocates who described seniors facing displacement and fiscal groups that warned of major local revenue impacts.

“The bill creates a 5% property tax exemption for senior homeowners in Oregon who are at least 65 years old, have lived in their homes for at least 10 years, and have an annual household income of no more than a hundred $50,000,” the Legislative Revenue Office said in the committee’s bill summary. Drazen, the bill sponsor, told the committee HB 3755 would start with a 5% exemption and “increases incrementally by 5% each year of eligibility up to the age of 85.”

Nut graf: Supporters said the bill would…