New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3371

Introduced
2/5/26  

Caption

Prohibits certain financial institutions from requiring certain disabled veterans to include anticipated property tax obligations as part of mortgage applications.

Impact

The bill modifies current statutes regarding residential mortgage applications by ensuring that qualified veterans and their surviving spouses do not have to reveal annual property tax obligations when applying for a mortgage on their primary residence. Such requirements often complicate the mortgage approval process and can lead to adverse financial conditions for these veterans, despite their eligibility for a full property tax exemption. By removing this requirement, S3371 aims to facilitate access to home ownership for disabled veterans and improve their financial outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill S3371 aims to ease the process for disabled veterans seeking mortgages by prohibiting financial institutions from requiring these individuals to include anticipated property tax obligations in their mortgage applications. This change is specifically targeted at veterans who have been deemed by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs to have a 100 percent service-connected disability. The intent behind the bill is to alleviate financial barriers and complications that could hinder these veterans or their surviving spouses from securing home financing and potentially lead to higher interest rates due to the inclusion of projected tax obligations.

Contention

While the bill appears largely beneficial for its targeted group, it may raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding the potential implications for mortgage lending standards and risk assessments. Critics of the bill may argue that excluding property tax obligations could lead lenders to approve loans that might not be adequately backed by the borrower’s financial capabilities, potentially increasing default risks on mortgages. Nevertheless, proponents contend that this measure is a necessary recognition of the unique circumstances and sacrifices of disabled veterans, thus advocating for their right to fair housing options without undue hindrances.

Companion Bills

NJ S4152

Carry Over Prohibits certain financial institutions from requiring certain disabled veterans to include anticipated property tax obligations as part of mortgage applications.

NJ A5414

Carry Over Prohibits certain financial institutions from requiring certain disabled veterans to include anticipated property tax obligations as part of mortgage applications.

NJ A741

Same As Prohibits certain financial institutions from requiring certain disabled veterans to include anticipated property tax obligations as part of mortgage applications.

Similar Bills

CA SB1352

Property taxation: newly constructed: reconstructed property.

CA AB245

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

CA SB1053

Property taxation: transfer of base year value: disaster relief.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

CA SB603

An act to amend Section 69 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation, to take effect immediately, tax levy.

TX HB2011

Relating to the right to repurchase from a condemning entity certain real property for which ad valorem taxes are delinquent.