Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Joint Resolution 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the residence homestead property tax exemption from $5,000 to $15,000. The legislature by general law, however, may reduce or eliminate the exemption for certain school districts and political subdivisions that are not the principal providers of general elementary and secondary public education within their territories. This portion of the amendment would take effect beginning with the 1997 tax year.

            The amendment authorizes the legislature to provide for the transfer of the school district tax freeze on residence homesteads of the elderly for persons or surviving spouses who qualify for the freeze and establish a different residence homestead. Also, for those who already receive the freeze, the amendment provides for a one-time reduction in the frozen tax amount to guarantee the additional benefit of the proposed exemption change described above.

            House Bill 4 contains enabling legislation for the proposed amendment.