(NewsNation) — Arizona property owners can claim tax refunds if local governments fail to clear homeless encampments now that voters approved a statewide ballot measure on Election Day.
Passing this week with 58% of the vote, Proposition 312 allows homeowners to apply for a property tax refund “if the city or locality in which the property is located does not enforce laws or ordinances regarding illegal camping, loitering, obstructing public thoroughfares, panhandling, public urination or defecation, public consumption of alcoholic beverages, and possession or use of illegal substances.”
Officially titled the Arizona Property Tax Refund for Non-Enforcement of Public Nuisance Laws Measure, the measure is part of a larger effort to address how municipalities respond to Arizona homelessness.
This rule would allow property owners to claim expenses, such as security cameras, cleaning services, and protective fencing, on their tax returns as long as they prove the costs were associated with “public nuisance issues” due to a lack of government enforcement.
According to the measure, individuals can submit one claim per year for up to 10 years.