Nassau proposes tax break for spouses of fallen police officers

A bill creating a new property tax exemption for the surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty cleared two legislative committees in Nassau County on Monday.

Lawmakers on the Finance and Rules Committees unanimously voted in favor of the legislation, backed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who's running for governor. The bill is expected to gain the support of the full, 19-member legislature when it meets  on Feb. 23. 

Nassau's Surviving Spouse Real Property Tax Exemption Act follows Gov. Kathy Hochul's signing last month of state legislation authorizing local governments to provide an exemption of up to 50% on the primary residence of a surviving spouse. Nassau already provides tax exemptions for seniors, people with disabilities, parents of fallen service members, volunteer firefighter and volunteer ambulance personnel.

"We truly believe we should be giving as much tax relief as possible, especially to spouses of police officers," Legis. Thomas McKevitt (R-East Meadow), chairman of the Finance Committee, said in the meeting.

Municipalities like Nassau must opt into the state law. Local lawmakers have the ability to reduce the percentage of tax abatement, according to the state law, sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) in 2025. Nassau — which has some of the highest property taxes in the nation — keeps the tax break at 50% of assessed value, according to the county resolution.

Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) credited state Democrats for showing "real leadership last year" and urged Blakeman to sign it into law after it passes full legislature.  

"Each time we lose a first responder, our hearts break and our entire community is left with a profound sense of loss and helplessness," DeRiggi-Whitton said in a statement to Newsday after the vote. "While nothing can ever replace their sacrifice, this legislation allows us to provide meaningful assistance and support to the grieving families they leave behind."  

It was unclear on Monday how many property owners would benefit and the cost to the county. The proposal limits the exemption to police officers and does not extend to other law enforcement officials or first responders, according to the bill.

There are 49 profiles of fallen police officers since 1925 on the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association's website. PBA president Tommy Shevlin did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Monday.

Majority Leader Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) in a statement after the vote called the bill “a meaningful way to honor the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to ensure that their spouses are not burdened with additional financial hardships after an unimaginable loss.” 

There is no comparable bill before Suffolk County legislators. The Town of Babylon is expected to hold a public hearing on Wednesday to consider offering the property tax break to police officers. Babylon officials also are considering a property tax exemption for some active military service members. 

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.