Laguna Niguel Sen. Bill Signed into New Veteran's Law

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — A new law for disabled veterans was signed into law today expanding a property tax exemption. This closes a loophole on veteran's ability to qualify for California tax relief.

Orange County legislator Sen Patricia Bates, R- Laguna Niguel was at the helm of the bill that closed that gap. This new law will expand a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, and was signed Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

"Today's signing is the capstone of a determined effort by veterans groups and Board of Equalization member George Runner to ensure tax fairness for veterans with 100 percent disabilities," said Sen. Patricia Bates said.

The legislation -- which was approved unanimously by lawmakers last month -- conforms with federal law guaranteeing that disabled veterans get the tax relief if they are receiving service-connected benefits at 100 percent.

Some veterans drawing full benefits weren't able to qualify for the state's tax relief previously because they had not received an "honorable discharge," which is required by state law.

Bates' legislation closes that loophole so long as veterans have not been dishonorably discharged or had some other sort of bad conduct discharge.

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