Relating to the rate at which interest accrues in connection with the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on certain residence homesteads.

HB 53 changes the interest rate for property taxes deferred or abated on qualifying primary residences (homesteads). During deferral, interest accrues at the lower of the five-year Treasury rate (as reported by the Federal Reserve) or 5 percent, instead of the standard rate. It preserves pre-deferral interest and penalties, and limits additional penalties to cases where taxes remain unpaid 181 days or more after the deferral period ends. The bill applies to interest accrued before December 1, 2025 (if unpaid as of that date) and all interest accruing on or after that date, taking effect December 1, 2025.