Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB65

Introduced
11/13/25  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
11/13/25  
Refer
1/13/26  
Report Pass
1/20/26  
Refer
1/21/26  
Report Pass
1/27/26  
Enrolled
1/29/26  
Passed
2/3/26  

Caption

Franklin County; senior property tax exemption, authorized; constitutional amendment

Impact

If enacted, HB65 would provide significant tax relief for elderly homeowners in Franklin County, potentially improving their financial stability during retirement. The exemption allows these seniors to maintain their principal residence without facing the pressures of rising property taxes that can typically accompany property value increases. This measure is expected to allow retirees to remain in their homes, helping to stabilize the local community and keeping seniors financially secure.

Summary

House Bill 65 proposes a constitutional amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, specifically addressing the needs of residents in Franklin County. The bill aims to authorize qualified taxpayers aged 65 or older to claim a senior property tax exemption on their real property. This exemption is contingent upon the property being the individual's principal residence for at least five years prior to the tax year in which the exemption is claimed. The proposed measure seeks to freeze the assessed value of the property at the rate for the year immediately preceding the claim, thereby offering financial relief to seniors in the county.

Contention

While the bill is designed to assist a vulnerable demographic, there may be contention surrounding its implementation. Concerns might include the potential impact on county revenues, as property taxes are a crucial funding source for local services. Additionally, there may be discussions about the qualifications needed to claim the exemption, ensuring that it is accessible yet appropriately regulated to avoid any misuse of the exemption. Stakeholders may debate how the bill aligns with wider tax policies in the state and whether similar exemptions should be extended to other groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB486

Baldwin County, ad valorem tax further provided for, constitutional amendment

AL HB394

Montgomery County, Montgomery City Council authorized to join state retirement system, constitutional amendment

AL SB208

Montgomery County, Montgomery City Council authorized to join state retirement system, constitutional amendment

AL SB286

Montgomery County, Montgomery City Council authorized to join state retirement system, constitutional amendment

AL SB342

Local land bank authorities; tax sale properties acquisitions; tax exemption for acquired properties; tax revenue allocation; conveyance to state and local governments under certain circumstances; creation of local land bank authorities authorized under certain conditions

AL SB125

Taxation; Alabama Wildlife Center, extend the exemption from state, county, and municipal sales and use taxes

AL HB508

Baldwin County, constitutional amendment, Belforest Landmark District established

AL HB74

Taxation, sales tax exemptions, sales and use tax exemption provided for purchases of optical aids, including eyeglasses and contact lenses

AL HB176

Taxation, sales tax exemptions, sales and use tax exemption with local option provided for purchases of optical aids, including eyeglasses and contact lenses

AL HB388

Income tax, exemption for taxable retirement income increased

Similar Bills

TX HB9

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income.

NJ S2025

Increases gross income tax relief based on rent constituting property taxes for residential tenants and establishes refundable gross income tax credit in place of gross income tax deduction for residential tenants.

NJ A2680

Increases gross income tax relief based on rent constituting property taxes for residential tenants and establishes refundable gross income tax credit in place of gross income tax deduction for residential tenants.

FL S1510

Homestead Property Exemptions and Assessment Limitation

NJ A2684

Increases, from 18 percent to 30 percent, amount of rent constituting property taxes for purposes of gross income tax deduction for certain tenants.

NJ A2656

Increases, from 18 percent to 30 percent, amount of rental payments defined as rent constituting property taxes for purposes of deduction from gross income for property tax payments.

LA HB412

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to assessment and reappraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes and establishes a property tax exemption (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

NJ SCR101

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide property tax exemption for primary residence owned and occupied by surviving spouse of first responder who dies in line of duty.