SAN FRANCISCO – The California state Senate have voted 34-1 to approve AB 1700, which remedies unequal treatment in the tax code that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors at significant financial disadvantage from unfair tax increases that may result in the loss of their homes after the death of a partner. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-53), passed the Assembly by a vote of 48-23, and will now proceed to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk.
“This law protects co-owners of property who have purchased a home together and depend upon each other for financial support,” said Butler. “It is simply unfair to place an extra burden on homeowners who are not married when the death of a co-tenant endangers the ability of the survivor to stay in their home. I’m proud to make California a more equitable state.”
“The loss of a beloved partner is devastating and should not come with the added burden of a dramatic increase in taxes for individuals on a fixed income or, worse, the trauma of losing one’s home,” said Clarissa Filgioun, Equality California board president. “We are grateful for the hard work of Assemblymember Betsy Butler in assuring LGBT people an equal opportunity to stay in their homes …”
