On February 18, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Ways and Means Committee in opposition to HB 910 – Property Tax – Exemption for Blind Individuals – Alteration. This bill expands a property tax exemption by increasing the amount of the assessment exempt from taxation for blind individuals and their surviving spouses.

MACo does not raise policy objections to the bill’s intent − county concerns are purely practical and cost-driven. This bill would deplete limited local revenues, which counties rely on to fund schools, public safety, housing, public health, roadway maintenance, and other essential services

From MACo Testimony: 

Property tax revenue is the most reliable and stable funding source for essential public services. Regardless of intent, every new exemption shrinks the tax base, compounding fiscal pressures on counties grappling with rising costs, workforce challenges, and strained revenues. Shifting unfunded mandates onto local budgets only deepens these challenges, forcing difficult trade-offs in funding critical services.

HB 910’s cross-file, SB 911, was heard on March 5 in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Kevin Kinnally testified in opposition to this bill.

SB 911 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Ways and Means Committee, on March 25. MACo submitted written testimony in opposition to this bill.

More on MACo’s Advocacy:

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2025 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2025 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog