The Massachusetts state Legislature has approved a bill that grants a real estate tax abatement for Ava Roy, the daughter of fallen Worcester firefighter Christopher Roy. Christopher Roy tragically lost his life on December 9, 2018, while responding to a fire in Worcester. At the time, Ava was only 9 years old and was living with her father in Shrewsbury.

Currently, tax assessors have the authority to exempt real estate taxes for minor children of police officers or firefighters who are killed in the line of duty, as long as the child owns and occupies the property. However, Ava, being a child, is unable to own the property or serve as trustee. The Shrewsbury Board of Assessors was therefore unable to grant tax relief until the passage of this bill.

State Rep. Hannah Kane, of Shrewsbury, and state Sen. Michael Moore, of Millbury, announced the approval of the bill. Under the new law, the Town of Shrewsbury is now authorized to grant a real estate tax abatement for Ava’s home as long as it is owned and occupied by her guardian, trustee, conservator, adoptive parent, or other fiduciary.

This measure fulfills the original intent of the state law that allows for property tax exemptions to be given to the children of fallen firefighters. Shrewsbury officials had requested this bill, which was unanimously passed at the town meeting in May 2023. On Thursday, it received the approval of both the House and the Senate.

The final step is for Governor Maura Healey to sign the bill into law. Once signed, Ava Roy and her guardians will be eligible for the tax abatement. This decision provides important financial relief for Ava and her family, honoring the sacrifice made by Christopher Roy in the line of duty.

– Massachusetts state Legislature: [Homepage]https://malegislature.gov/
– Ava Roy: No specific link available
– Worcester firefighter Christopher Roy: No specific link available
– Shrewsbury Board of Assessors: No specific link available
– State Rep. Hannah Kane: No specific link available
– State Sen. Michael Moore: No specific link available
– Governor Maura Healey: [Homepage]https://www.mass.gov/governor-maura-healey