New York Senate Bill S00803

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Engrossed: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25
• Engrossed: 2/5/25
• Enrolled: 2/12/25
• Chaptered: 2/14/25
• Passed: 2/14/25

Caption

Authorizes a town with a population between 69,000 and 69,500 as of the 2020 decennial census to enact a homestead exemption.

Summary

Bill S00803 amends a previous law to authorize the town of Southampton, located in Suffolk County, New York, to enact a homestead exemption for property taxes. This exemption is specifically for towns with a population between 69,000 and 69,500 based on the 2020 census. The exemption allows eligible property owners to reduce their taxable property value by up to $50,000, aligning the eligibility criteria with the existing School Tax Relief (STAR) exemption. The bill outlines the application process for property owners seeking this exemption, which must be filed with the town assessor by the taxable status date. The bill's provisions are set to take effect immediately upon passage, with the homestead exemption applying to assessment rolls based on taxable status dates occurring after the effective date. This legislative change is intended to provide financial relief to homeowners in the specified population range, potentially making housing more affordable in the town of Southampton. The general sentiment surrounding Bill S00803 appears to be positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support it received in both the Senate and Assembly votes. The Senate Rules Committee voted 21-0 in favor of the bill, and it passed the Senate floor with a vote of 58-1, followed by a 145-0 vote in the Assembly. This strong support suggests that lawmakers view the homestead exemption as a beneficial measure for the community. Notable points of contention have not been explicitly documented in the available discussion transcripts or voting records. However, potential concerns could arise regarding the impact of the exemption on local tax revenues and the fairness of property tax relief measures. It is also possible that some stakeholders may question the criteria for eligibility or the specific population threshold set for the town of Southampton. Overall, the bill seems to have garnered broad support without significant opposition.

Impact

The enactment of Bill S00803 will allow the town of Southampton to implement a homestead exemption that will directly affect property tax calculations for eligible homeowners. By aligning the exemption with the STAR program, the bill simplifies the eligibility process for residents. This change is expected to provide financial relief to homeowners, potentially influencing housing market dynamics in the area. The bill may also set a precedent for similar exemptions in other towns with comparable population sizes, thereby impacting local tax policies across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S00803 is largely supportive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in both the Senate and Assembly. The bill received a favorable response from lawmakers, reflecting a consensus on the importance of providing tax relief to homeowners in the specified population range. The lack of dissenting votes suggests that the bill is viewed positively by both parties, highlighting its potential benefits for the community.

Contention

While there are no documented points of contention from the committee discussions or voting history, potential concerns could include the implications of the homestead exemption on local tax revenues and the criteria for eligibility. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the fairness of the exemption and its impact on the broader tax base. However, the bill has not faced significant opposition during the legislative process.