JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri’s House of Representatives on March 27 took a significant step toward providing clarity and relief for senior citizens across the state by passing HB 2432.

This bill, which aims to modify the criteria for seniors to qualify for a real property tax credit, garnered overwhelming support from lawmakers, reflecting a bipartisan commitment to supporting Missouri’s elderly population.

The proposed legislature will now move to the Missouri Senate for further consideration. With bipartisan support and a clear focus on supporting seniors, advocates remain hopeful that this crucial legislation will continue to advance through the legislative process and ultimately become law, according to a release from House Communications.

HB 2432 addresses the current ambiguity in the law by clarifying the eligibility criteria for seniors to receive real property tax credits. Under the provisions of the bill, eligible taxpayers must be Missouri residents aged 62 or older, have ownership or equitable interest in a homestead, maintain liability for property taxes, and have no delinquent taxes owed to the county. These amendments are designed to streamline the process for seniors to access the tax relief they deserve.

State Rep. Wendy Hausman, sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of offering relief to seniors while also addressing the challenges faced by counties in implementing the existing law.

“A lot of work went into this legislation both in the House and Senate, and I am pleased to see HB 2432 pass out of the Missouri House today,” said Hausman, R-St. Peters. “This is an important move to ensure that our seniors receive the support they need to thrive in our communities. We are putting it in the peoples’ hands by providing clarity and simplifying the eligibility criteria for property tax credits, we are empowering our elderly population to age with dignity and financial security.”

The passage of HB 2432 underscores a commitment to resolving these issues and ensuring that Missouri seniors can access the benefits they are entitled to without unnecessary barriers or confusion.

“It is our goal as legislatures to make sure we are working towards the betterment of all Missourian lives,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “We are taking significant strides towards doing just that for the senior citizens of our state with the passage of this bill, ensuring a better understanding of the tax credit and providing needed relief.”