Grants real property tax exemption to owner of property for cost of removing graffiti placed by a third party

BILL NUMBER:S2079

Title of bill

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to an exemption for the removal of graffiti

Purpose or general idea of bill

Encourages timely removal of graffiti by property owners by granting an exemption on real property tax for the cost of removal of graffiti.

Summary of provisions

This bill will add a new section, 487-b to the real property tax law providing an exemption for removing graffiti.

Justification

It has been too often that our communities have been plagued by the horrific scenes of intentional vandalism. Vandalism, mainly graffiti, has been one of the components in our neighborhoods that decreases the value of our homes and other properties owned by residents of a particular community. It is generally understood that the defining of a community by way of graffiti has and will continue to decrease property values. Most property owners feel powerless against this act of violence and tend to allow it recur, for not knowing how to deal with such a problem. This bill will encourage property owners to take action to remove such damage by providing for exemption from taxation should they incur costs for removing graffiti from the said property placed by a third party. Due to the fact that graffiti begets graffiti, the chances of it being replaced will decrease if it is continually removed. This bill will, in the end provide for a safe, clean, environment for comfortable homes and businesses to flourish.

Legislative history

2004 - Referred to Real Property Taxation 2003 - Referred to Real Property Taxation 2002 - Referred to Real Property Taxation

Fiscal implications

Not known.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.