New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR86

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, ACR86 would significantly alter the financial landscape for the families of deceased first responders. The property receiving the exemption must have been the primary residence of the first responder at the time of their death. Additionally, the surviving spouse is eligible for the exemption only for as long as they own and occupy the home as their primary residence and do not remarry. The proposed amendment also includes provisions for the state to reimburse local taxing districts for the loss of property tax revenue resulting from these exemptions, ensuring that municipalities are not financially burdened by the new legislation.

Summary

ACR86 proposes a constitutional amendment intended to provide property tax exemptions to the primary residences owned and occupied by the surviving spouses of first responders who die in the line of duty. This legislation specifically covers law enforcement officers, paid or volunteer firefighters, and paid or volunteer members of first aid, ambulance, or rescue squads. The amendment aims to offer financial relief to the families of these individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.

Contention

While ACR86 is framed as a benevolent measure to support grieving families, potential points of contention may arise around its implementation. Critics might express concerns about the long-term fiscal impact on local budgets, as the reimbursements from the state could strain financial resources, especially if the number of qualifying properties increases. Furthermore, there may be debates surrounding the stipulation that surviving spouses who remarry will lose their tax exemption, with some advocating for a more inclusive approach to support all surviving spouses regardless of their marital status.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR106

Carry Over 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.

NJ ACR136

Carry Over 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.

NJ SCR101

Same As 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.

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.