ANNAPOLIS — Senior citizens and landlords of all ages in Washington County are closer to getting relief from property tax increases.

Under a bill that has passed the state’s House of Delegates and is being considered by lawmakers in the Senate, property tax increases for those who are 65 years of age and older could be frozen, and payments on the increases would be deferred until after the death of the homeowner and his or her spouse.

The bill was heard Friday by a Senate committee. Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, said many other Maryland counties have a similar program in place.

The amount of the tax increases the homeowner would have paid if not enrolled in the program would be paid back either by that person’s heirs or through a tax lien on the property at an interest rate of no more than 3 percent.

The bill, sponsored by Washington County’s delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, would allow the Washington County Commissioners to offer the tax deferment to seniors, but does not make it mandatory.

The bill that passed the House was amended to include an amendment suggested by Washington County Commissioners that would allow landlords of any age to apply for the Homestead Tax Credit. The Homestead Tax Credit currently does not apply to nonowner-occupied homes.

Shank said Friday there is an expectation that landlords would pass on their savings to renters.

Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, sits on the committee that heard the delegation’s bill Friday. He said he supported the legislation, saying, “It does benefit the entire community.”

On the Web: mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/HB1184.htm