Butler County Today

COLUMBUS—State Reps. Thomas Hall and Adam Bird presented sponsor testimony on the Ohio Homeowners Relief Act during a hearing of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The legislation aims to address the issue of rising property taxes and protect vulnerable Ohioans by modifying the procedures used by the Tax Commissioner in conducting property tax sales assessment ratio studies.

According to Rep. Hall, the bill is a common-sense solution that will prevent drastic increases in property taxes and ensure fair property valuations. He stated, "It is my responsibility to protect my constituents, and I will continue paving the way on property tax reform."

Rep. Bird emphasized the importance of providing relief to Ohioans who are struggling with the burden of historic property valuation increases. He said, "The Ohio Homeowners Relief Act will provide some relief to Ohioans who have concerns about paying for their basic needs."

The proposed legislation specifically requires the Tax Commissioner to consider the past three years of a county's property values when determining property tax. This change is expected to address the recent projections of steep property tax increases in 13 Ohio counties.

House Bill 187, also known as the Ohio Homeowners Relief Act, will continue to undergo hearings in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The bill seeks to provide much-needed relief to Ohioans who are facing the challenges of rising property taxes.

The next hearings in the Senate will provide an opportunity for further discussion and examination of the bill's provisions. As the legislative process progresses, it is hoped that the Ohio Homeowners Relief Act will gain bipartisan support and ultimately become law, bringing relief to homeowners across the state.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/thomas-hall/news/senate-committee-begins-hearings-on-bill-to-address-rising-property-taxes-117545