Senate Bill 371 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Madison County; senior property tax exemption authorized; constitutional amendment

Summary

A constitutional amendment to authorize a senior property tax exemption in Madison County for homeowners aged 65 and older who meet ownership and residence requirements.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment would allow 65+ Madison County residents to claim a senior property tax exemption on their real, single-family, owner-occupied home that has been their principal residence for at least five years. The exemption would freeze the assessed value for the year before the exemption is first claimed, and would continue as long as the homeowner remains living there and eligible for other exemptions; millage changes would still apply and additions after claiming would be taxed based on the increased value. The exemption would start a claim period in 2027 (beginning October 1), with written applications due between October 1 and December 31.

Who It Affects

• 65+ Madison County homeowners who own and occupy a single-family, owner-occupied home used as their principal residence for at least five years
• Madison County Revenue Commissioner and county tax administration (for processing and administering the exemption)
• Property owners who add improvements after claiming (taxed on the added value)

Key Provisions

• Amends Alabama Constitution to authorize a senior property tax exemption in Madison County for qualifying 65+ homeowners.
• Eligibility: 65 years or older, real property in Madison County, single-family owner-occupied, and used as principal residence for at least five years prior to first claim.
• Exemption freezes assessed value for the year prior to first claiming the exemption.
• Exemption continues as long as the home remains the principal residence; eligibility for homestead and other exemptions remains intact.
• Added property value after claiming the exemption is taxed based on the increase in assessed value after the claim.
• Exemption can be claimed beginning October 1, 2027; applications must be filed in writing with the Madison County Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31.
• If ratified, the Code Commissioner will place the amendment in the Constitution and may perform non-substantive revisions; election described and conducted under state election laws; amendment becomes valid if approved by a majority of voters.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 17, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Madison County