(SACRAMENTO, CA) The governor signed two bills authored by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley), one recreates a vital property tax assistance program and the other strengthens prosecution tools for cases of elder financial abuse.
"After years of anxiety, we have cause for hope," said Blumenfield. "For too long, seniors and Californians living with disabilities have lived in fear of losing their homes because they can't afford their property taxes. By reinventing this program, we can help prevent tax-induced foreclosures from victimizing people in need of help."
AB 1090 authorizes counties to recreate the Senior and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Postponement Program, a state program from 1977-2009. Under the bill, county boards of supervisors may now operate localized programs that pay a participant's property taxes in exchange for a property lien with a 7% annual interest rate. Funds would be repaid to counties when properties are sold or transferred. Eligibility would be limited to applicants with 20% equity in their homes and annual incomes under $35,500.
Prior to the suspension of the program in 2009, 20% of participants were Los Angeles County residents. AB 1090 is Blumenfield's second attempt to restore this program. He sent a similar bill to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last year but it was vetoed.
AB 1293 gives courts the ability to "seize and freeze" a defendant's assets during elder financial abuse trials. In cases where more than $100,000 is alleged to have been stolen or embezzled, the bill allows the court to order the preservation of a defendant's property to ensure that assets are available to pay restitution upon a conviction.
"People who steal from seniors shouldn't be allowed to mount an expensive defense with the stolen money," said Blumenfield. "That adds shameless insult to injury for victims. Prosecutors now have a powerful new tool to bring justice to seniors and prevent them from being victimized twice."
Further information is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.
Contact: Anthony Matthews, tel. (916) 319-2040
