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Senate fast-tracks, passes S.160 to abate education property taxes for 2023 flood damage
Summary
The Senate suspended rules to take up S.160 and, after committee reports and floor questions about eligibility and fiscal impact, passed the bill by voice vote. The measure lets the tax commissioner abate school taxes for properties meeting a 50% FEMA-standard loss and includes a $1.1 million fiscal note to the Education Fund.
The Senate moved quickly to address flood damage from summer 2023, suspending rules to take up S.160 and passing the bill by voice vote.
Senator from Chittenden Central introduced S.160, described as "an act relating to state education property taxes and flood related damage," and asked the Senate to suspend rules so the chamber could consider it immediately. After committee reports from Finance and Appropriations, the Senate advanced the bill through second and third readings and passed it on the floor.
Why it matters: The bill authorizes the tax commissioner to abate school taxes for properties damaged in the July 1–October 15, 2023 flood period when a property meets a substantial-damage test (50% loss) or has a loss of use or access lasting 60 days. The measure also clarifies that FEMA disaster payments for repairs or replacement "do not count as household income" when calculating income-sensitive property tax adjustments, and it directs the Commissioner to coordinate refunds with the Agency of Education. Senate Finance reported a fiscal impact to…
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