SCA 3

Bill Subjects

Abstract

The California Constitution generally limits ad valorem taxes on real property to 1% of the full cash value of that property. For purposes of this limitation, "full cash value" is defined as the assessor's valuation of real property as shown on the 1975–76 tax bill under "full cash value" or, thereafter, the appraised value of that real property when purchased, newly constructed, or a change in ownership has occurred. The California Constitution specifies various transfers that are not deemed to be a "purchase" or "change in ownership" of a property for these purposes, including the purchase or transfer of a principal residence from parents to their children, or, under certain circumstances, from grandparents to their grandchildren, and the purchase or transfer of the first $1,000,000 of the full cash value of all other real property transferred from parents or grandparents to their children or grandchildren. This measure would limit the above-decribed $1,000,000 exclusion for purchases or transfers of real property other than a principal residence to purchases or transfers of nonresidential real property. The measure, except as provided, would provide that the transfer of the principal residence of a parent or grandparent is excluded from "purchase" or "change in ownership" under these provisions only if the transferee uses the residence as his or her principal residence within 12 months after the transfer. If the transferee subsequently ceases to use the residence as his or her principal residence, the measure would require that the residence be assessed at its full cash value as of the date of the transfer from the parent or grandparent to the transferee. The measure would provide that these changes apply to a purchase or transfer of real property on or after the effective date of the measure. The measure would also make various nonsubstantive changes.