State Rep. Bob Peterson | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Bob Peterson | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representative Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) has voted in favor of two bills aimed at limiting property tax increases for Ohio residents. The legislation, known as House Bill 186 and House Bill 335, is part of a broader effort by the Ohio House Majority Caucus to provide more than $2.4 billion in property tax relief.
House Bill 186 introduces an Inflation Cap Credit that restricts school district property tax increases to the rate of inflation. This measure is expected to save property owners nearly $1.7 billion over three years. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that school districts do not lose revenue compared to their current collections during this appraisal period.
House Bill 335 places similar limits on inside millage collections, requiring county budget commissions to adjust levy rates so they do not grow faster than the combined inflation rate over the previous three years during scheduled reappraisals or updates. This initiative is projected to provide between $621 million and $763 million in additional relief over three years.
“I proudly voted today to stop the dramatic spikes in property tax increases, delivering $2.4 billion in tax relief to Seniors, Veterans and all Ohio property taxpayers,” Peterson said.
The new measures build on recent legislative efforts by the House Republican Caucus, which include direct relief through homestead exemptions and owner-occupancy credits for seniors, disabled veterans, and families of first responders; reforms intended to simplify levies and prevent hidden tax hikes; anti-fraud initiatives such as a statewide screening system for property tax reductions; updates for greater transparency in ballot language; and requirements for local governments to report unvoted tax increases.
Additional legislation passed earlier this year includes House Bill 129, which closes loopholes by counting various types of levies toward the 20-mill floor and lifts 237 districts off that threshold; House Bill 309, expanding county authority to modify or reduce excessive millage rates; and House Bill 124, giving county auditors increased oversight of sales data used in property valuations.
Both House Bills 186 and 335 will proceed next to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
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