Republican Bill Granting Property Tax Exemption To Disabled Veterans Signed Into Law

Republican Bill Granting Property Tax Exemption To Disabled Veterans Signed Into Law

by | Feb 16, 2026 | News

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona lawmakers approved a Republican-sponsored bill granting full property tax exemptions to veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, advancing the measure with bipartisan support before it was signed into law last week.

The bill, HB 2792, was approved unanimously by the Arizona House and moved through the Senate as SB 1268 with near-unanimous support before reaching the governor’s desk. The House measure was sponsored by Majority Leader Carbone (R-LD25). Senator David Gowan (R-LD19) sponsored the corresponding legislation in the Senate.

According to Senate records, the sole dissenting vote was cast by Democratic Senator Sally Ann Gonzales, who represents Legislative District 20.

Under the legislation, a veteran determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100% service-connected disability will qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary home. The exemption also extends to surviving spouses, provided they remain in the residence and do not remarry.

“This bill keeps a simple promise,” Carbone said in a statement. “If a veteran sacrifices their health in service to America, the government should not tax them out of their home. We worked directly with county assessors to ensure the law is clear and properly implemented. Preserving homeownership for those who earned it is central to the House Republican Majority Plan and to preserving the American Dream. This law delivers direct relief, limits government reach, and stands up for veterans and their families.”

The change codifies and expands existing law that previously provided partial exemptions based on disability percentage and income limits. State personal exemption programs already allow a reduction in assessed value for certain disabled veterans, widows, and widowers, and can result in full relief in some cases.

In a post to X, Senate GOP leaders wrote, “Arizona Republicans are fighting to eliminate property taxes for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities. SB 1268 and HB 2792 deliver full property tax relief on their primary residence. These men and women gave everything for our country. The least we can do is make sure they can stay in their homes.”

County assessors across the state have begun notifying eligible residents of the change and encouraging veterans and surviving spouses to file applications for the exemption through their local assessor’s offices. For example, the Santa Cruz County Assessor’s Office states that the new law is effective for the 2026 tax year and details documentation requirements, including VA disability certification and proof of property ownership.

Applications for individual exemption programs generally must be filed with county assessor offices by the February 28 deadline, according to the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office. This deadline may be extended to September 1 with an approved Exemption Deadline Waiver.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Carbone said, “This is about fairness. It’s about honoring service, and it’s about ensuring the most vulnerable among us can remain in their homes with dignity and integrity.”

The legislation brings Arizona in line with property tax relief policies in several other states that offer full or partial exemptions for disabled veterans on their primary residences.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

Hobbs Vetoes Health Care Transparency Bill Aimed At Costs For Illegal Immigrant Patients

Hobbs Vetoes Health Care Transparency Bill Aimed At Costs For Illegal Immigrant Patients

by | May 18, 2025 | News

By Jonathan Eberle |

Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed SB 1268, a Republican-sponsored measure that aimed to increase transparency around the costs of providing healthcare to illegal immigrants in Arizona’s hospital system. The move drew swift criticism from State Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), who accused the governor of obstructing efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility and protect taxpayer dollars.

The bill, sponsored by Rogers and passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, would have required Arizona hospitals to include a voluntary question on patient intake forms asking individuals to indicate whether they are lawfully present in the United States. According to the bill text, the response would have had no bearing on the care provided and would not have been shared with immigration enforcement agencies. The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) would then compile annual reports using the data, including the number of non-citizens receiving care through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid program.

“Our hardworking, law-abiding citizens have a right to know how much of their money is going towards paying for the medical services of those who’ve willfully chosen to break our laws by entering our country illegally,” said Senator Rogers in a statement following the veto. “This legislation would have helped us obtain the data necessary to make informed decisions on how to tackle this problem.”

A 2023 Congressional Budget Office report cited by Rogers estimated that federal and state governments spent approximately $27 billion on Emergency Medicaid for illegal aliens between fiscal years 2017 and 2023.

Supporters of SB 1268 argue that Arizona taxpayers deserve to understand how much of the state’s healthcare budget is being used to treat non-citizens — especially as hospitals report growing strain and long wait times for patients. Rogers emphasized that the intent was not to deny care, but to gather data needed for long-term planning and resource allocation.

This marks the latest in a series of transparency and immigration-related proposals rejected by Hobbs. Her actions have drawn praise from progressive groups but sharp criticism from GOP lawmakers, who argue that the governor is ignoring the concerns of constituents struggling with a strained healthcare system.

“This veto is a slap in the face to Arizona taxpayers who are demanding accountability and transparency,” Rogers said. “Shame on Governor Hobbs.”

As the debate over immigration and healthcare access continues to shape Arizona politics, similar proposals may resurface in future legislative sessions — especially as state lawmakers prepare for the 2026 election cycle, where these issues are expected to be front and center.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.