NY Senate Passes Senate Bill S1378A

(Albany, NY) Senator John E. Brooks and the New York State Senate passed Senate Bill S1378A, which will authorize municipalities to offer a real property tax exemption for property owned by active-duty service members in a combat zone. Passed in a bipartisan vote of 55-0, S1378A will offer substantial savings for active duty combat soldiers who currently are, or seeking to be, homeowners in New York.

As the property tax law is currently written, only veterans are entitled to a property tax exemption, not active-duty service members. This bill will act as an important step towards ensuring that soldiers and their families, who are making remarkable sacrifices today, are given the benefits they deserve.

“The language of this bill is directed towards active-duty servicemen and women, but at its heart, this bill is meant to provide further stability and support for military families,” said Senator Brooks. "We, as lawmakers, have a duty to support service members and their families. That is why we must do all we can to alleviate as many burdens in owning a home as possible on families whose loved ones are defending the United States.”

Once law, S1378A will result in significant real property tax savings for active-duty service members and their families, allowing them to claim an exemption for up to 15% of the assessed value of their real property, but not exceeding $12,000.

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