BILL NUMBER: AB 2472	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 28, 2016
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 18, 2016

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Linder

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2016

   An act to add and repeal Section 17059.50 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, relating to taxation, to take effect immediately, tax
levy.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2472, as amended, Linder. Personal income taxes: credits:
disabled veterans: service animals.
   The Personal Income Tax Law allows various credits against the
taxes imposed by that law.
   This bill, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1,
2017, and before January 1, 2022, would allow a credit under the
Personal Income Tax Law in an amount equal to 50% of the amounts paid
or incurred during the taxable year by a qualified disabled veteran
for the ownership and maintenance of a qualified animal, not to
exceed $2,000 for a taxable year. 
   This act provides for a tax levy within the meaning of Article IV
of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. 

   This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy. 
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) California is home to a large population of war veterans,
comprised of service men and women who have honorably served in the
line of duty.
   (b) It is not uncommon for veterans, after experiencing the
horrors of war, to suffer from physical or mental health challenges,
or both.
   (c) Common conditions war veterans are afflicted with include
post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and
heightened anxiety.
   (d) Trained animals are often used to assist disabled veterans in
their rehabilitation. An animal can greatly contribute to the veteran'
s sense of normalcy by providing support and companionship.
   (e) The purpose of Section 17059.50 of the Revenue and Taxation
Code, as proposed to be added by this act, is to create an income tax
credit for disabled veterans, as determined by a disability rating
promulgated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, who
incur costs associated with ownership of a service dog.
  SEC. 2.  Section 17059.50 is added to the Revenue and Taxation
Code, to read:
   17059.50.  (a) For each taxable year beginning on or after January
1, 2017, and before January 1, 2022, there shall be allowed a credit
against the "net tax," as defined by Section 17039, an amount equal
to 50 percent of the qualified costs of a qualified disabled veteran,
not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) for a taxable year.
   (b) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions
shall apply:
   (1) "Qualified animal" means a guide dog, signal dog, or service
dog as defined in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (6) of subdivision
(b) of Section 54.1 of the Civil Code.
   (2) "Qualified costs" mean the amounts paid or incurred during the
taxable year by a qualified disabled veteran for the ownership and
maintenance of a qualified  animal, including, but not
limited to, the amount   animal that is limited to the
amounts  paid as local fees for animal licenses; veterinary care
and medical-related expenses, such as vaccinations, annual
check-ups, and drug prescriptions; pet insurance coverage expenses;
expenses for speciality equipment, such as vests, leads, and
harnesses; grooming expenses; and food expenses.
   (3) "Qualified disabled veteran" means an individual who meets
both of the following conditions:
   (A) Has served on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United
States and received an honorable discharge for all periods of active
service.
   (B) Has a service-connected disability  rating of at least 30
percent,  as determined  by a disability rating
promulgated  by the United States Department of Veterans
 Affairs   Affairs,  and is assisted with
 that disability   any disability associated
with that rating  by a qualified animal. 
   (c) No other credit or deduction shall be allowed under this part
with respect to the amounts paid or incurred by a qualified disabled
veteran for a qualified animal that are taken into account in
computing the credit allowed under this section.  
   (c) 
    (d)  In the case where the credit allowed by this
section exceeds the "net tax" the excess may be carried over to
reduce the "net tax," in the following year, and succeeding  six
 years if necessary, until the credit is exhausted. 
   (d) 
    (e)  Section 41 does not apply to the credit allowed by
this section. 
   (e) 
    (f)  This section shall remain in effect only until
December 1, 2022, and as of that date is repealed.
  SEC. 3.  This act provides for a tax levy within the meaning of
Article IV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect.