PRIA Logo™
MississippiHB 13802026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Homestead exemption; revise provisions regarding surviving spouses and applications.

Sponsored By: John Thomas "Trey" Lamar (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Ways and MeansFinance

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Homestead filing deadlines, renewals, and fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, you must file a written homestead application with the county tax assessor by April 1 each year. Late or backdated filings are not accepted. If you already have a valid claim from 1991 or later and nothing changed since January 1, your exemption renews automatically. Counties may charge $0.50 for each mailed renewal if the board allows it; there is no fee if you return it in person. Your application must list the owner’s name, birth date, Social Security number, phone, and email; if married, include the same for your spouse. Also list the number and status of any occupants who are not the owner’s family. If the courthouse or tax office is damaged and cannot accept applications, the Governor can extend filing by up to 30 days.

Tough penalties for homestead fraud

Beginning July 1, 2026, filing a fraudulent homestead application or willfully failing to report required changes is a felony. A conviction can bring up to a $5,000 fine, up to two years in jail, or both.

Homestead rules for surviving spouses

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you are a surviving spouse and you still qualify, you do not have to file a new homestead application. If your late spouse had the higher age‑65 or disability exemption and you do not qualify for it, you must file a new application. If the late spouse’s age or disability is unknown, or you have not filed, the county makes you the primary applicant and sets your exemption at the standard homestead amount until your own status is confirmed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Thomas "Trey" Lamar

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Omeria Scott

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 174 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/17/2026

Passed

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026

Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/25/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/19/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/18/2026House

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/18/2026Senate

  5. Passed

    3/17/2026Senate

  6. Title Suff Do Pass

    3/16/2026Senate

  7. Referred To Finance

    2/13/2026Senate

  8. Transmitted To Senate

    2/5/2026House

  9. Passed

    2/4/2026House

  10. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/3/2026House

  11. Referred To Ways and Means

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation