Alabama Senate Bill SB371

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/26
• Refer: 3/17/26
• Report Pass: 3/18/26
• Refer: 3/31/26

Caption

Madison County; senior property tax exemption authorized; constitutional amendment

Summary

SB371 proposes a constitutional amendment specific to Madison County that would allow certain taxpayers age 65 or older to claim a senior property tax exemption on qualifying real property. To qualify, the property must be single-family, owner-occupied residential property in the county, and the owner must have used it as a principal residence for at least five years before first claiming the exemption. The exemption would freeze the property’s assessed value at the level from the year before the exemption is first claimed. The amendment also sets out continuing conditions and limits. A taxpayer could keep the exemption only while the property remains the principal residence, and the taxpayer could still claim a homestead exemption and other lawful exemptions. Millage rate changes would still apply, and any later additions to the property would be assessed and taxed based on the increase in value attributable to those additions. The exemption could first be claimed beginning October 1, 2027, and must be applied for in writing with the Madison County Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31.

Impact

If ratified by voters, SB371 would amend the Alabama Constitution to create a county-specific property tax benefit for eligible senior homeowners in Madison County. It would affect ad valorem tax assessments by freezing the taxable assessed value of qualifying homes for eligible seniors, while preserving taxation of future improvements and allowing other exemptions to remain in place. The measure would primarily affect older homeowners, county tax administration, and local property tax revenues in Madison County.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests strong legislative support, with the bill passing its House of origin unanimously by a 29-0 vote. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate opposition or concerns in committee. Overall, the bill appears to have been received favorably as a targeted tax relief measure for senior homeowners.

Contention

The main policy issues likely concern the fiscal effect on local tax collections and the fairness of granting a county-specific exemption to homeowners age 65 and older who have lived in their homes for at least five years. The bill also draws a line between eligible long-term owner-occupants and other taxpayers, and it preserves taxation on millage increases and home additions, which may be intended to limit revenue loss. No explicit objections or competing viewpoints are included in the provided materials.