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Delegation tables bill clarifying eligibility for disabled-veterans property tax credit
Summary
Members tabled a bill that replaces references to ‘active military’ with a federal ‘uniform services’ definition, amid confusion from county officials about whether the change would expand eligibility.
The Washington County Legislative Delegation voted to table a bill that would change state law language about the county’s disabled-veterans property-tax credit, saying members and county officials need more time to reconcile differing understandings of the draft.
The draft removes the phrase referencing “active military naval or air service” and instead references “the uniform services as defined in code section 10 U.S.C. §101,” language the bill drafter said already encompasses the categories now in state law. One delegation member noted a separate reference to 38 U.S.C. §101 in discussion; the draft’s drafter told the delegation the amendment is intended as clarifying language rather than an expansion of eligibility.
County representatives said the Board of County Commissioners had not had an opportunity to analyze the draft and expressed concern that removing a limiting word could unintentionally broaden eligibility. County staff later said the commissioners had been contacted but had not completed analysis.
Motion and vote: Senator Coron moved to table the bill for further discussion; Senator McCain seconded. The motion passed with a voice vote and the item was held for consideration at the next meeting.
Why it matters: The measure was presented as a technical clarification aligning state statutory language with a federal definition; county officials worried it could change local administration unless the county’s ordinance is also modified. Delegation members emphasized that, absent any change by the Board of County Commissioners to local ordinance, the bill would not, by itself, alter who receives the credit.
Next steps: The delegation asked staff to circulate the draft and the county’s review so members and local officials can be “on the same page” before the delegation considers the bill again.
