Butler County Today

COLUMBUS– The House Ways and Means Committee today passed House Bill 344, legislation to reform Ohio’s property tax system, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.).

House Bill 344 will promote transparency by preventing local governments from proposing replacement property tax levies which frequently result in unexpected property tax increases. The bill will preserve the ability to either renew existing levies or propose increases or new levies directly, thereby ensuring that voters have full knowledge of the proposals and their effects. This bill will also prohibit local governments from filing certain property valuation complaints that would result in property tax increases. Current law sets restrictions on the ability of local governments to attempt to raise property values through local boards of revision, though legal loopholes have allowed them to do so without abiding by these restrictions. This bill will protect homeowners and lessen tax increases by ensuring that local governments abide by the restrictions set in place to safeguard taxpayers and ensure transparency throughout the process.

State Rep. Adam Mathews emphasized the importance of addressing concerns over property taxes by stating, "Ohioans are rightly worried about their property taxes, and we all must work together to address the causes of these tax increases." He added, “This bill puts the power over property taxes where it belongs: with the voter and the homeowner.”

Echoing similar sentiments, State Rep. Thomas Hall highlighted the impact of property tax increases on Ohioans, saying, “Ohioans are suffering as a result of property tax increases throughout many Ohio counties." He expressed hope in the bill's potential to alleviate confusion surrounding the property tax system, stating, “This bill is a step in the right direction and will eliminate confusion related to our property tax system when voters are considering levies at the ballot box.”

House Bill 344 now heads to the House floor for a vote.