Protecting Property Owners: Ohio REALTORS Testifies on HB 232
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Manager, Advocacy and Research
Clear rules matter, especially when it comes to protecting property owners from unexpected tax increases. That is why Ohio REALTORS® provided testimony in support of House Bill (HB) 232, legislation that would close a loophole that some public entities have used to bypass the law and challenge property values through third parties.
Passed during the 134th General Assembly, HB 126 was designed to limit when school districts and other taxing authorities could file complaints or counter-complaints at the Board of Revision, helping ensure that property owners are not unfairly targeted with unexpected valuation increases. While most local governments have followed this law in good faith, a few have used attorneys or school treasurers to file as individuals. This allows the local government to file a counter-complaint and become a party to the case.
Ohio REALTORS® CEO Scott Williams shared in his testimony that HB 232 restores the spirit of the legislation passed in 2022:
“HB 232 addresses and closes this loophole, reinforcing the original intent of HB 126 and ensuring that property owners receive the full protections envisioned by the Ohio General Assembly. It does so by requiring third-party complaints, including those acting on behalf of public entities, to submit sworn affidavits disclosing their relationship, and by prohibiting political subdivisions from paying agents to sidestep the filing restrictions.”
By reinforcing the integrity of the Board of Revision process, HB 232 builds trust in the system and restores the balance between property owners and taxing authorities. As HB 232 moves through the legislative process, Ohio REALTORS® will continue to advocate for strong safeguards for property owners across the state.
Read more about HB 232 below:
