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Bill would raise partial tax exemptions for spouses of service members killed in the line of duty
Summary
Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts introduced Assembly Bill 243 to increase partial property‑tax and GST exemptions for surviving spouses of U.S. service members killed in the line of duty to parity with the exemption for surviving spouses of veterans with 100% service‑connected disability.
Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts presented Assembly Bill 243, which would increase partial property tax and governmental services tax exemptions for surviving spouses of members of the U.S. armed forces who were killed in the line of duty.
Hibbetts said the bill increases the current $1,000 partial exemption to an amount equivalent to the exemption already provided to the surviving spouse of a veteran with a permanent 100 percent service‑connected disability. The bill also adds verification steps for county assessors, defines “killed in the line of duty” for purposes of the exemption, and establishes penalties for false affidavits or proof.
Hibbetts said the idea grew from constituent inquiries and from models used in other states; LCB staff told him Colorado extends similar benefits to surviving spouses of service members killed in action. Andrew Lapelbit (United Veterans Legislative Council) and Wesley Harper (City of North Las Vegas) testified in support. Lapelbit cited a count of Gold Star families in Nevada (he cited 153) and said the council supports extending benefits to surviving spouses.
Committee members asked whether eligibility for AB 243 would affect eligibility for other veteran‑based exemptions (NRS 361.090 and 361.091). LCB analysis cited by the sponsor indicated AB 243 would not affect a person’s eligibility for those existing exemptions based on the person’s own service; the sponsor said he may amend language for clarity because the surviving‑spouse benefit the bill creates could be more generous than benefits the person could claim on their own service record.
Members also asked whether the committee or fiscal staff could identify how many surviving spouses of members killed in the line of duty live in Nevada; the sponsor and staff said a precise count was not available from fiscal notes or agency filings, although witnesses cited the 153 Gold Star family figure as a relevant data point. Fiscal impacts were not detailed in the hearing record; Hibbetts closed by urging support and said he would cooperate on drafting and verification language.
The committee took testimony and asked technical questions; no formal committee vote was taken during the hearing.
