not protect co-tenants who are un-married or un-related, making same-gender couples particularly vulnerable to losing their homes when their partner dies. AB 103 would protect unmarried couples from the unfair burden of increased taxation on their homes when one partner takes over property ownership.
“This is an important step to protect unmarried individuals when they are most vulnerable, after a loved one dies,” stated Assembly Member de León. “Without this legislation surviving partners are faced with the unfair burden of increased taxes on their homes, forcing some people to have to give them up. That is an appalling situation; people who live and own a home together and are unmarried, whether by choice or because of the law, should be treated equally to married couples.”
Board of Equalization Vice Chairwoman Betty T. Yee stated “I applaud Mr. de León’s championing of this important measure. It acknowledges the true diversity of families and households in California and will keep homeowners, particularly elderly individuals, in their homes when their co-owner dies.”
To qualify for the exemption the bill will require that cotenants have lived together in the home for at least one year, in order to be eligible for the property tax exception.
AB 103 is sponsored by the Board of Equalization. It next moves to the Assembly Rules Committee and will be heard in a policy committee in early spring. |
