New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR148

Introduced
11/30/23  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to authorize municipalities to provide property tax credit of up to 100 percent for primary residence of volunteer firefighter or volunteer first aid squad member.

Impact

If passed, SCR148 would amend Article VIII, Section I of the New Jersey Constitution. This change would empower local governments to acknowledge the service of volunteers by providing significant financial benefits directly tied to property taxes. The intent is to alleviate financial burdens for these individuals, encouraging community engagement and support for emergency services. The potential for up to a 100 percent tax credit is particularly impactful as it aligns local policy with community appreciation for the services rendered by volunteers.

Summary

SCR148 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow municipalities in New Jersey to grant property tax credits of up to 100 percent for the primary residences of active volunteer firefighters and volunteer first aid squad members. This measure aims to recognize and incentivize the contributions of volunteer first responders who serve their communities. Under the proposed amendment, each municipality's governing body would have the authority to enact an ordinance that enables this property tax relief.

Contention

Despite the apparent benefits, there may be points of contention regarding the equitable distribution of tax credits and the financial implications for municipal budgets. Concerns could arise about how the implementation of such property tax credits will affect funding for other essential services within municipalities. Additionally, there may be debates about the criteria for what constitutes an 'active' member of a volunteer service, and how this policy might influence volunteer recruitment and retention in the long term.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR171

Same As Proposes constitutional amendment to authorize municipalities to provide property tax credit of up to 100 percent for primary residence of volunteer firefighter or volunteer first aid squad member.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR97

Proposes constitutional amendment requiring Legislature to enact statute authorizing $200 property tax credit for primary residence of volunteer firefighter or first aid squad member.

NJ SCR64

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to provide partial property tax exemption of up to 15 percent of assessed value for primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ ACR75

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to provide partial property tax exemption of up to 15 percent of assessed value for primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ ACR31

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities, by ordinance, to provide partial property tax exemption on primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ SCR129

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities, by ordinance, to provide partial property tax exemption on primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ A2502

Provides $1,000 income tax deduction for certain volunteer firefighters and members of first aid and rescue squads.

NJ S1133

Allows certain volunteer firefighters, rescue and first aid squad members to claim $5,000 income tax deduction.

NJ A117

Allows certain volunteer firefighters, rescue and first aid squad members to claim $5,000 income tax deduction.

NJ A2813

Allows certain volunteer firefighters, rescue and first aid squad members to claim $2,000 gross income tax exemption.

NJ S1868

Allows certain volunteer firefighters, rescue and first aid squad members to claim $500 income tax deduction.

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.

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.

FL S1510

Homestead Property Exemptions and Assessment Limitation

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.

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.

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.