Oppose SB-666: Stop Ineffective Home Security Tax Credit

Subject: Oppose SB-666: Limited Impact, Inequitable Benefits, and Administrative Burdens

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to express my opposition to SB-666, which proposes a personal income tax credit for home security surveillance systems. The bill's limited financial impact is a primary concern, as the $250 credit is unlikely to significantly offset the costs of a comprehensive security system, particularly for lower-income households. The bill's narrow scope of eligibility further exacerbates its limitations. By restricting the credit to single-family residences, SB-666 excludes renters and those in multi-family units, disproportionately benefiting higher-income homeowners while neglecting a large segment of California's population. Additionally, the potential for inequitable benefits is troubling. Allowing only one credit per residence per year could disadvantage larger households or those with multiple taxpayers, leading to an unfair distribution of benefits. Moreover, the bill's stated goals of deterring property crime and enhancing security are questionable. The modest credit may not sufficiently incentivize the installation of high-quality systems necessary to achieve these objectives. Finally, the administrative and reporting burdens imposed by the bill could divert resources from essential tax functions without clear evidence of its effectiveness. I urge you to oppose SB-666, as it fails to provide meaningful financial relief or security improvements for most Californians. Thank you for considering my perspective, and I look forward to your response on this important issue. Sincerely,