New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR101

Introduced
2/19/26  

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

The proposed amendment is significant as it not only provides financial relief to the surviving spouses of first responders but also establishes a framework for the state to reimburse local municipalities for lost tax revenue due to these exemptions. By ensuring that these surviving spouses can maintain their homes without the burden of property taxes, SCR101 acknowledges the sacrifices made by first responders and offers a measure of support to their families. This could lead to an increase in stability for these households during a painful time, which is crucial for their recovery and reintegration into normal life.

Details

If the amendment is approved by voters, it could be ratified during the next general election, reflecting a broader support for the principles of recognizing and supporting the families of those who serve in dangerous public safety roles. Moreover, the proposal stipulates that a surviving spouse who remarries would lose this exemption, which could be seen as an additional factor that influences how such families navigate their financial futures.

Summary

SCR101 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment in New Jersey that aims to provide a property tax exemption specifically for the primary residence owned and occupied by the surviving spouse of a first responder who dies in the line of duty. This encompasses law enforcement officers, firefighters (both paid and volunteer), and members of first aid, ambulance, or rescue squads. The resolution details the conditions under which the exemption is applicable, stipulating that the property must serve as the surviving spouse's primary residence and must have been the primary residence of the first responder at the time of their death.

Contention

As with many such proposals, there may be points of contention surrounding SCR101. Questions could arise regarding the long-term financial implications for local governments who will rely on state reimbursements to offset the financial impacts of the exemption. Opponents might argue about fairness and the potential burden on overall public revenue systems, suggesting that resources might be better allocated elsewhere. However, supporters would likely emphasize the moral obligation to care for those left behind by first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR86

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.

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.

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 ACR86

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.