AN ACT proposing to create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to property exempt from taxation.
Summary
HB94 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask Kentucky voters whether to create an additional property tax exemption for certain homeowners age 65 or older. Specifically, for a permanent residence owned by a qualifying senior, the bill would exempt from ad valorem taxation any increase in assessed value of the residence and contiguous real property that occurs after the later of: the year the owner turns 65, or the year the owner purchased the property. The exemption would be in addition to the existing homestead exemption and would override conflicting constitutional provisions to the extent necessary.
The bill also sets out the ballot and publication procedures for placing the amendment before voters at a general election. It directs the Secretary of State and county clerks to publish and certify the full text of the proposed amendment and the ballot question, and it specifies that if approved, the exemption would apply only to property value increases occurring after ratification.
Impact
If ratified, HB94 would amend the Kentucky Constitution and change how property tax assessments are applied to qualifying senior homeowners by freezing taxation on post-qualifying increases in assessed value for their primary residence and contiguous land. It would affect local property tax bases, county assessors, and senior homeowners who meet the age and residency requirements, while leaving existing homestead protections in place and adding a new layer of tax relief for eligible properties.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available context suggests a straightforward, supportive framing focused on property tax relief for older homeowners. The measure is presented as a voter-referred constitutional amendment rather than a contested statutory change, and no recorded opposition or amendment debate is available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy issue is the scope and fiscal effect of the proposed exemption. Supporters would likely view it as targeted relief for seniors facing rising property values, while potential critics may be concerned about reduced local tax revenue, unequal treatment across taxpayers, and the constitutional complexity of adding another exemption on top of existing homestead protections. Because no committee transcript or vote history is provided, no specific legislators or stakeholder groups are identified as taking those positions in the available record.