Senate Passes Tax Breaks for Disabled Veterans

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Richmond, VA - The Senate of Virginia has unanimously passed a constitutional amendment to exempt severely disabled veterans from real property taxes on their homes.

Under SJ13, any veteran who is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to have a one hundred percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability will be exempt from property taxes on their home. The measure was introduced by Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-Prince William) and co-sponsored by legislators of both parties in the House of Delegates and Senate.

“This amendment will provide tangible and needed support to severely disabled veterans so they can afford to stay in their homes,” said Senator Puller in a statement provided to the press. “The disabled veterans who will benefit from this tax exemption have made tremendous sacrifices in defense of their country and deserve this modest measure of relief.”  

This constitutional amendment has wide support from the veterans’ community and was the top legislative priority for many veterans’ advocates groups. Under the proposed amendment, the tax exemption would also apply to the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran as long as they remain unmarried and live in the house.

The amendment previously passed the General Assembly in the 2009 session as required for constitutional amendments, and will now be placed on the ballot for consideration by Virginia voters on November 2, 2010. If passed, it will become law on January 1, 2011.