California Ballot Proposal Aims to Exempt Seniors from Property Taxes

The initiative still needs enough signatures to be put in front of voters on the November ballot.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A new California ballot measure, just cleared by the Secretary of State, would exempt homeowners aged 60 and older from paying property taxes on their primary residences if they have lived in the home for at least five years or resided in California for a decade. Supporters say this would help seniors stay in their homes, but critics warn it could devastate local government budgets by reducing property tax revenues by an estimated $12 billion to $20 billion per year.

Why it matters

This proposal is part of a growing movement across the country to provide property tax relief for seniors, but it faces significant hurdles in qualifying for the ballot and could have major financial implications for local governments that rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund essential services.

The details

The initiative, proposed by Rishi Kumar, would eliminate property taxes for eligible seniors if approved by voters. To qualify, homeowners must be at least 60 years old and have lived in their home for at least five years or resided in California for a decade. Critics argue this could 'eviscerate services' provided by local governments, which generate about $100 billion in property tax revenue annually, the largest funding source for counties and public schools. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office estimates the measure could reduce local revenues by $12 billion to $20 billion per year.

  • The initiative was just cleared by California's Secretary of State to gather signatures in support.
  • Kumar must collect nearly 875,000 valid signatures by August 4 to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Rishi Kumar

The proponent of the ballot initiative, who previously ran in a 2024 special election for Santa Clara County assessor on a similar platform.

Graham Knaus

CEO of the California State Association of Counties, who argues the proposal would 'eviscerate services in communities up and down the state'.

Scott Kaufman

Representative of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, who says Proposition 13 already offers seniors in need an exemption to property taxes.

Steve Swatt

A political analyst who notes the measure faces a significant hurdle in qualifying for the ballot and questions whether Kumar can gather enough signatures.

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What they’re saying

“We see the movement happening across the country. There are 16 states that have already done something to address the angst of seniors.”

— Rishi Kumar (abc10.com)

“It would eviscerate services in communities up and down the state. Public safety, elections, parks, infrastructure — counties often have no other funding source for those services.”

— Graham Knaus, CEO, California State Association of Counties (abc10.com)

“Proposition 13 gives homeowners predictability and dependability.”

— Scott Kaufman, Representative, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (abc10.com)

“I hope he has a sugar daddy, because it's going to be expensive. The question is whether he can get enough signatures to qualify.”

— Steve Swatt, Political Analyst (abc10.com)

What’s next

Kumar must collect nearly 875,000 valid signatures by August 4 to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

This ballot proposal is part of a growing trend to provide property tax relief for seniors, but it faces significant hurdles in qualifying for the ballot and could have major financial implications for local governments that rely heavily on property tax revenue. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between supporting seniors and maintaining essential public services.