Ohio REALTORS^® Supports Property Tax Reform Legislation to Protect Homeowners

Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Ohio REALTORS^® Manager, Advocacy and Research

Ohio REALTORS^® provided proponent testimony to the Senate Ways and Means Committee in support of Senate Bill (SB) 66, a critical measure to protect homeowners from unrestrained property tax increases that are caused by rising property valuations.

Across the state of Ohio, homeowners – especially those on fixed incomes – struggle with skyrocketing property tax bills. These increases are primarily due to the 20-mill floor rule and exemptions from HB 920 tax reduction factors, which allow many school districts to collect additional revenue without voter approval. Currently, 86% of Ohio’s 611 schools are at the 20-mill floor, resulting in unchecked tax growth that threatens affordability and financial stability for homeowners.

In his testimony, CEO Scott Williams shared:

SB 66 is an important solution because it would include emergency, substitute, and income tax levies in the calculation of the 20-mill floor, effectively increasing a school district’s recognized millage. As a result, HB 920 protections would apply to those school districts no longer on the 20-mill floor to help prevent unrestrained growth on property taxes and provide much-needed relief for homeowners.

By making this adjustment to the 20-mill floor calculation and ensuring HB 920 protections, this legislation would bring a balance to Ohio's property tax system and allow homeowners to afford to stay in their homes.

Ohio REALTORS^® will continue to fight for Ohio homeowners and advocate for policies that allow fair and sustainable property tax regulations.

Testimony provided by Ohio REALTORS^® on SB 66 can be found here: Ohio Senate Ways and Means Committee 2/24/25

More information about this legislation can be found here: 136 General Assembly | Senate Bill 66  

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