HB3296 Summary

• Extends the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to persons with a disability, effective for taxable year 2017 and thereafter.

• Defines "person with a disability" as someone unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; accepts federal Social Security disability benefits or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card (Class 2) as proof.

• Requires applicants with disabilities to submit proof of disability to the chief county assessment officer in the manner prescribed, similar to existing requirements for senior citizens applicants.

• Amends the State Mandates Act to include the Senior Citizens and Persons with a Disability Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption among exempted mandates requiring no state reimbursement.

• Makes conforming changes to related sections of the Property Tax Code regarding homestead exemptions, erroneous exemptions, and application procedures.