The state Senate has passed a bill that would make it easier for senior citizens to renew their Enhanced STAR property tax savings each year.

The measure, S.1920, would allow most seniors to use a simplified renewal form, rather than the longer form that is used by all STAR applicants including those under 65 who qualify for the Basic STAR program.

The new form would be available to senior citizens whose income or living situations have not changed since the prior year, and who don’t participate in the automatic Income Verification Program that is already offered under STAR.

“This bill would save time and confusion, help seniors protect their privacy and personal information, and ensure that more senior homeowners can have access to this critically important tax-savings program,” said 48th District Sen. Patty Ritchie, a cosponsor of the bill.

Enhanced STAR is available to those 65 or better who own their primary residence, and meet certain income eligibility requirements. Enhanced STAR doubles the value of the Basic STAR exemption, providing hundreds of dollars in additional tax savings.

“When just about everything is becoming more expensive, the property tax savings provided by STAR make a real difference to many seniors who are struggling to get by on fixed incomes,” said Ritchie. “We shouldn’t make them jump through hoops each year to get the property tax savings they need and deserve.”

The bill has been referred to the Assembly.