Two bills aimed at easing the tax burden on California veterans are advancing through the State Legislature with growing support from military advocates, including Nick Busse, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and nationally recognized voice for service members.

Senate Bill 56, authored by Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), would waive property taxes for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Meanwhile, SB 1 proposes to exempt military retirement pay from California state income tax — a policy shift long championed by veteran groups.

“Off to a strong start — great news for our disabled veterans!” Busse wrote following the bills’ advancement through the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. He noted that both SB 56 and SB 1 are now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee due to their fiscal impact.

“California is the only, or one of a few states left, that still tax military retirement,” Busse wrote, urging lawmakers to finally fix the issue.

A combat veteran who served 13 years in the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions, Busse led over 200 combat operations in Iraq and was named the 2023 Veteran Champion of the Year in Corporate America. Today, he is a leading advocate for military families and transition programs, using his platform to fight for fairer treatment of those who served.

Supporters of the bills argue that removing these tax burdens is not just a financial fix — it’s a matter of respect and gratitude. If passed, the legislation would mark a significant step toward aligning California with the majority of U.S. states that already exempt military retirement pay and provide broader property tax relief for disabled veterans.