IL HB0034

Expands the definition of "surviving spouse" eligible for veteran disability homestead exemptions, effective in stages: prior to 2015 limited to spouses of veterans who obtained exemption before death; 2015-2018 adds spouses of veterans killed in line of duty; 2019 and thereafter adds spouses of veterans who would have qualified and spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for service-connected deaths.

Beginning 2015, surviving spouses of veterans killed in line of duty no longer need the veteran to have obtained the exemption prior to death to qualify for the surviving spouse benefit.

Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation due to service-connected veteran deaths are entitled to the full exemption for 70% or more service-connected disability rating (full property tax exemption).

Changes definition of "qualified residence" from "equalized assessed value" to "fair cash value" of less than $250,000 for eligibility purposes.

Act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.