SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham that would make it easier for seniors to receive a tax break passed Illinois State Senate Thursday.

Senate Bill 1257 would eliminate the need for residents aged 65 or older to reapply annually to receive the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption, a property tax exemption designed to assist senior citizens financially.

Currently, every county in Illinois other than Cook may allow seniors to receive the exemption without reapplying.

“The requirement to reapply annually for this tax break is an unnecessary hurdle that makes it more difficult for seniors to get tax relief,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This bill will make government more efficient and exempt seniors from repeating a sometimes frustrating and confusing application process.”

The measure also requires the Cook County Accessor’s Office, the Cook County Clerk and the Recorder of Deeds Office to communicate when a home receiving an exemption is sold to ensure the tax break is not awarded to residents who do not qualify.

Senate Bill 1257 passed 51-0. It will now go before the House of Representatives.