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House panel hears bill to give property-tax relief to first responders injured or killed on duty
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 140, which would provide property-tax assistance to first responders injured in the line of duty and to surviving spouses. Supporters described financial strain after injuries or deaths; opponents said the bill excludes volunteers, wildland firefighters and many EMS workers.
Representative Curtis Schomer, sponsor of House Bill 140, opened the hearing before the Montana House Taxation Committee on a proposal to provide property-tax assistance for first responders injured in the line of duty and for surviving spouses of those killed in the line of duty. "In front of you today is House Bill 140. Now this is a very important piece of legislation," Schomer said.
The bill drew a string of proponents from law-enforcement and fire organizations who said property-tax relief would help families remain in their homes after catastrophic injuries or death. Heidi Paulson, whose husband was injured in the line of duty, told the committee that loss of overtime and secondary jobs, limits of workers' compensation and the costs of caregiving can rapidly erode household finances. "So all…
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