Delegation approves clarification to disabled veterans property tax language to reference U.S. Code

The Washington County Delegation unanimously approved clarifying language for a bill on property tax treatment for disabled veterans, replacing an older service description with a cross-reference to the definition of "uniformed services" in federal law.

Delegates discussed language that removes the phrase "active military, naval, or air service" and instead refers to "the uniformed services as defined in U.S. Code section 101." Michelle Gordon, the administrator, told the delegation the county commissioners now support the clarifying language; "Their stance is still the same. Nothing has changed. It's still 5 0 against any changes," she said on the record when asked about the commissioners' position.

A senator moved that the delegation support passage of the clarification; a delegate seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Members said the change was intended as a clarification rather than an expansion of eligibility. The transcript records no amendments to the bill during the meeting and no public comment on the measure.

The delegation noted the item had been discussed previously and that the clarification is intended to align local language with the federal statutory definition.

Because the amendment is a cross-reference to federal statute rather than a new eligibility category, proponents described it as housekeeping to ensure the bill uses the statutory term.

The approved motion will proceed through the delegation's drafting and rules processes.