HB3163 Summary

• Amends the Property Tax Code to extend homestead exemptions for veterans with disabilities to their surviving spouses who relocate to Illinois after the veteran's death, even if the veteran resided outside Illinois but otherwise qualified for the exemption at the time of death.

• Surviving spouses may claim the exemption on a new residence in Illinois as long as they hold legal or beneficial title, permanently reside there, and do not remarry.

• The exemption amount depends on the veteran's disability rating: $2,500 for 30-49% disability, $5,000 for 50-69% disability, or full exemption from taxation for 70% or greater disability.

• Exemption carries over to surviving spouses of veterans killed in the line of duty beginning in taxable year 2015, without requiring the veteran to have obtained the exemption before death.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.