Proposition 19, also referred to as the Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, is a constitutional amendment that was narrowly approved by voters in the general election on November 3, 2020, with just over 51% of the vote. The measure makes a number of changes to the state’s property tax laws, including:

• Allowing homeowners who are age 55 or older, or severely and permanently disabled of any age, to transfer the “taxable value” of their principal residence to a replacement property up to three times anywhere in the state.
• Allowing transfers of a family home or family farm between parents and their children without causing a change in ownership for property tax purposes.
• Providing $1 billion in funding for wildfire prevention and response efforts.

The measure was designed to provide relief to homeowners who were facing significant property tax increases due to the state’s rapidly rising property values. It also aimed to help homeowners who were rebuilding after wildfires and other natural disasters.

The measure’s provisions on property tax transfers have been the subject of considerable debate. Critics argue that the measure will lead to a windfall for wealthy homeowners, while supporters argue that it will help to keep families in their homes.

The measure’s provisions on wildfire prevention and response have also been the subject of debate. Critics argue that the measure does not go far enough to address the state’s wildfire problem, while supporters argue that it is a significant investment in wildfire prevention and response.

Overall, Proposition 19 is a complex measure that makes a number of changes to the state’s property tax laws. The measure’s provisions on property tax transfers and wildfire prevention and response have been the subject of considerable debate. It remains to be seen how the measure will be implemented and how it will affect homeowners and the state as a whole.

Here are some of the important rules of Proposition 19:

• The measure applies to all homeowners who are age 55 or older, or severely and permanently disabled of any age.
• To qualify for the property tax transfer provision, homeowners must have owned and occupied their principal residence for at least five years.
• The replacement property can be of any value, but the amount in excess of the original property’s market value is added to the transferred value.
• The transferee must continue to use the property as their principal residence for at least five years.
• The measure’s provisions on property tax transfers are retroactive to January 1, 2020.
• The measure’s provisions on wildfire prevention and response are effective immediately.

The measure’s property tax transfer provision is a significant change to the state’s property tax laws. It is designed to provide relief to homeowners who are facing significant property tax increases due to the state’s rapidly rising property values. It also aims to help homeowners who are rebuilding after wildfires and other natural disasters.

The measure’s property tax transfer provision has been the subject of considerable debate. Critics argue that the measure will lead to a windfall for wealthy homeowners, while supporters argue that it will help to keep families in their homes.

The measure’s property tax transfer provision is a complex issue, and it is important to understand the measure’s provisions before making a decision about whether to support it.

Sources – Learn more

1. www.gilfix.com/blog/2022/may/prop-19-potential-property-tax-increase-for-futu/
2. www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub801.pdf