Ohio REALTORS Testifies in Senate on State Operating Budget: Key Tax and Housing Issues in Focus
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Manager, Advocacy and Research
Ohio REALTORS® provided proponent testimony to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee on Amended Substitute House Bill 96 (Am. Sub. HB 96) – Ohio’s two-year state operating budget. The testimony focused on targeted solutions to improve housing access, protect property owners, and strengthen the real estate industry statewide.
Key priorities highlighted in the testimony:
- Clarification of real estate representation agreements: Supported an amendment to clarify language from House Bill 466 of the previous General Assembly, ensuring consistent application of written representation agreements in residential transactions.
- Property tax reform: Addressed the House-passed provision aimed at reducing tax rates in school districts with high carryover balances. Testimony emphasized the need for more targeted solutions, including revisiting the 20-mill floor and strengthening House Bill 920 protections to prevent unvoted tax spikes.
- Limiting political subdivision tax challenges: Supported language reinforcing the intent of House Bill 126 from the 134th General Assembly by limiting school districts’ ability to file tax valuation complaints through third-party representatives, providing stronger protections for property owners.
- Expanding the Welcome Home Ohio Program: Supported improvements to the program, including expanded eligibility for nonprofit developers and operational updates that enhance its impact in addressing Ohio’s housing shortage.
- Support for the Housing Accelerator Fund: Backed the creation of a $2.5 million annual fund to support local governments that implement pro-housing policies, which include expedited permitting and developing a pre-approval process for development plans.
- Concerns about Housing Trust Fund Oversight Changes: Opposed a proposal to shift administration of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund from the state to individual counties. Emphasized that centralized oversight is more effective in directing resources to communities with the most critical housing needs.
Senate committees continue work on Am. Sub. HB 96, with a final budget required by June 30th. Ohio REALTORS® will remain engaged with lawmakers to ensure that the budget advances sound housing policy across the state.
Learn more about Am. Sub. HB 96 below:
State Operating Budget Moves to Senate with Housing Provisions in Play
Ohio's Budget Breakdown: Key Provisions to Watch
