IL HB3771

Creates a property tax exemption for qualified residential property owned by surviving spouses of fallen police officers, soldiers, or rescue workers, effective beginning in taxable year 2022.

Defines "fallen police officer, soldier, or rescue worker" as individuals who died as a result of employment as a police officer, while in active service with fire/rescue/emergency medical services, or while on active duty with U.S. Armed Services (including National Guard) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Excludes from the exemption deaths resulting from the individual's own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Limits "qualified property" to parcels occupied by no more than 2 families that serve as the surviving spouse's principal residence and were either owned at the time of death, acquired within 2 years after death (if spouse was domiciled in Illinois), or acquired later if the spouse previously qualified for an abatement on another property.

Allows county and municipal governing bodies to continue abating taxes on an optional basis through taxable year 2021, after which the exemption becomes mandatory statewide beginning in 2022.