On March 3, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 1427 – Property Tax Credits – Renters’ Tax Credit, Homeowners’ Tax Credit, and Homestead Tax Credit – Altering Eligibility and Amount with amendments.
This bill increases eligibility thresholds and benefit amounts under the Renters’ Tax Credit and the State Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit. It establishes a new income-based limitation for the Homestead Tax Credit.
By increasing eligibility thresholds and benefit amounts for the Renters’ and Homeowners’ Property Tax Credits — and establishing a new income cap for the Homestead Tax Credit — the bill significantly broadens access to relief.
However, because many locally authorized supplemental programs link to State credit criteria, these changes could unintentionally expand county costs without action by local governing bodies. Counties are seeking targeted amendments to preserve local authority, ensure clear implementation of the new Homestead income cap, and prevent automatic fiscal exposure tied to state-level policy changes.
Accordingly, MACo requests amendments to ensure that changes
to the State Renters’, Homeowners’, and Homestead Tax Credits do not alter or expand locally authorized supplemental credits unless a county affirmatively adopts those changes by local law and that counties are consulted on implementation changes affecting the Homestead cap.
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