AK HB170

Municipalities may grant property tax exemptions to residents who are active volunteers with fire departments or emergency medical/rescue services agencies for up to the first $150,000 of assessed value on their primary residence.

Exemption eligibility requires the volunteer to have served for at least two years before application and meet active volunteer status standards jointly established by the service agency and municipality.

Widows and widowers of deceased volunteers who met these criteria at the time of death are also eligible for the exemption.

Only one exemption may be granted per property; if multiple persons are eligible for the same property, they must decide among themselves who receives the exemption.

The state may reimburse municipalities for lost tax revenue from these exemptions, with pro rata distribution of funds if appropriations are insufficient; exemptions do not apply to road service area taxes.