New York state’s newly enacted state budget contains a revision to the Real Property Tax Law regarding veterans’ property tax exemptions.

The newly enacted state budget allows local governments to provide a full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The change removes previous requirements related to VA housing grants and Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability status. Participation remains optional for local governments, does not affect any existing veterans’ exemptions and is available to a county, city, town, village, or school district to adopt a local law or resolution to offer the exemption.

“Assemblyman Maher has long believed that our veterans deserve more than our gratitude—they deserve meaningful support from the communities they served. This new authority allows local governments to provide significant property tax relief to veterans who have been deemed 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA. We encourage municipalities throughout the Hudson Valley to review this option and strongly consider adopting it in recognition of the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country,” said Meghan Hurlburt, chief of staff to Assemblyman Brian Maher.

Hurlburt noted that the budget provision expands eligibility while preserving all existing veterans’ property tax exemptions.

“This change removes unnecessary barriers and allows more disabled veterans to qualify for relief without affecting any existing exemptions. While the state has now provided local governments with the authority to act, the next step rests with municipal leaders. Supporting our veterans should never be a partisan issue, and we hope communities across New York will take advantage of this opportunity to honor their service in a meaningful way,” Hurlburt said.

Assemblyman Maher’s office encourages local governments throughout the 101st Assembly District to review the new law and consider adopting the exemption. Veterans and their families are encouraged to contact their local elected officials and attend municipal meetings to advocate for implementation within their communities.