Initiative 6709, which proposes reforms to the Single Property Tax Law (IUSI), advanced in first reading in Congress, in the midst of a debate between deputies about the number of votes necessary for its approval, parliamentary sources reported.
The president of Congress, Luis Contreras, explained that, according to a technical analysis and judicial resolutions, the proposal requires at least 107 votes to continue its legislative process, because it involves modifications in funds considered exclusive to the municipalities.
The discussion was prolonged due to differences between groups, since some legislators maintained that 81 votes were enough, while others supported the criterion that a qualified majority is needed.
The initiative seeks to modify tax rates and establish benefits for certain sectors of the population. Among the main proposed changes, the IUSI exemption for people who acquire their first home stands out, with the aim of facilitating access to property.
In addition, it is proposed to eliminate the collection of the tax for older adults who own a single home, especially if they have already paid the tax for several years. The proposal also contemplates alleviating the tax burden for owners who have maintained their properties for a long time.
Deputies who support the initiative consider that these measures represent a social benefit, while others warn about the impact it could have on municipal income.
The project must continue its discussion in plenary, where legislators will seek to reach the necessary consensus to gather the required votes and define the future of the reform.
✅#Statements | President Luis Contreras explained to the media that after a technical analysis it is confirmed that the initiative related to the IUSI requires 107 votes to continue with its process. Here the details ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mi9WwlGEQ8
— Guatemala Congress (@CongresoGuate) April 22, 2026
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