SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led the effort on the passage of a new law to expand property tax relief by allowing more veterans to qualify for the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption.

“This law is one way of honoring the sacrifices veterans and their families have made,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. “I will continue to champion the needs of this group of brave individuals.”

Under the new law, disabled veterans of World War II can receive a 100% reduction in their home’s assessed value – leading to a $0 property tax bill. Additionally, it will allow disabled veterans who receive disability compensation at 70% or more, and the surviving spouses of veterans whose deaths were service-connected, to qualify for the exemption of the first $250,000 of their home’s assessed value.

"Veterans disabled in the line of duty have already given so much to our country," said Andrew Tangen, president of the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions. "Receiving the benefits delivered through this legislation in a uniform way across the state is an important step for the legislature to make to recognize our veteran community for all they have sacrificed."  

House Bill 612 was signed into law Monday and takes effect immediately.