Ohio REALTORS Push for Property Tax Reform in Senate with HB 129
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Manager, Advocacy and Research
Ohio REALTORS® testified this week before the Senate Local Government Committee in support of House Bill 129, a measure aimed at protecting homeowners from unchecked property tax increases.
Across the state, families are facing rising property tax bills driven by escalating property valuations and structural flaws in Ohio’s tax system. More than half of Ohio’s school districts are at or near the 20-mill floor, a threshold that removes key protections under HB 920 and allows for unvoted tax increases.
The testimony emphasized the following:
HB 129 is an important solution because it would include emergency and substitute 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. This will ultimately bring more accountability to how school districts manage their property tax revenue and millage and will protect against spikes in unvoted property taxes. The bill also preserves flexibility by allowing fixed-sum levies in limited, well-defined circumstances, such as financial distress or declared emergencies, while ensuring they are temporary, voter-approved, and clearly labeled.
Ohio REALTORS® urges lawmakers to support HB 129 and deliver meaningful reform to Ohio’s property tax system.
Learn more about HB 129 below:
Ohio REALTORS® Supports HB 129 Property Tax Fix
136 General Assembly | House Bill 129
Anastasia Kotkovskaya
Manager, Advocacy & Research
Supports Ohio REALTORS®’ legislative, regulatory, and political initiatives at the Ohio Statehouse, conducting public policy research, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing advocacy resources to keep members informed of advocacy efforts. She provides regular legislative updates through Capitol Connections and The Latest Political Buzz, and hosts the Policy Talks podcast to provide insights on key political developments. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Political Advocacy Fund Committee.
Learn more about Anastasia & her role.
