Veterans’ pensions to be exempt from tax

FAIRBORN, Ohio (AP) — A bill that would exempt veterans’ military pensions from Ohio income taxes and waives probate fees for families of military personnel killed in combat zones was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Ted Strickland.

The bill was passed last week by both chambers of the General Assembly. Lawmakers, concerned that veterans are leaving Ohio for states with more attractive benefits, hope the policy changes will help veterans stay here and attract more of them.

The tax elimination would recognize the sacrifices made by roughly 38,640 retired military personnel in Ohio, saving them more than $23 million per year, House Speaker Jon Husted has said. The policy is vital in attracting veterans — who often have high-tech skills important to Ohio’s economic future — because 35 other states have a full or partial income tax break for military pensions, he said.

The law will also waive probate fees for families of military personnel killed in combat zones and give veterans returning home a six-month window to renew professional licenses that may have lapsed.

The law will go into effect in 90 days.