State Rep. Tammy Nuccio asks Tolland council to bridge tax‑exemption gap for disabled veteran

State Representative Tammy Nuccio urged the Tolland Town Council on Jan. 13 to grant a one‑time compassionate property‑tax exemption to Len Bradshaw, a 100% totally and permanently service‑connected veteran who moved to town in November and therefore missed an Oct. 1 ownership cutoff tied to the certified grand list.

"This is an oversight as far as I'm concerned," Nuccio said, describing the hardship that the timing rule created for the Bradshaws and the couple's decision to relocate from California to Connecticut based on the veteran exemption. Nuccio said the veteran’s current tax bill due is $2,632 and annual taxes on the house are about $5,300.

Under the statute Nuccio cited (identified in the record as Connecticut Public Act 24‑46), the exemption is available only to veterans who owned the home as of Oct. 1, the date the grand list is certified. Nuccio said she is pursuing a legislative fix to allow recent movers to apply, but asked the council to consider a local, one‑time exemption to "bridge the gap" until state law is amended.

Council members asked whether the assessor had been contacted and whether the council has the legal authority to grant such relief locally. Chair noted it was a "completely legitimate request" and asked staff to review the town's authority and return the matter to an agenda if necessary.

Town staff said the Oct. 1 date is tied to grand‑list certification and that state practice allows the assessor to add qualifying property after Oct. 1 in some circumstances. Nuccio told the council she would continue to work with veterans' advocates and the state veterans committee to amend the law so future movers are not disqualified by the timing rule.

The council did not act on the request at the meeting; the chair asked staff to research legal authority and prepare any necessary paperwork for a future agenda.