Changes the percentage of the cap on the inflationary growth factor for the assessment growth of real or personal property occurring within a political subdivision
The proposed changes in HB 1668 would significantly influence state laws related to tax assessment and collection, particularly by altering the growth factor applied to property assessments. By allowing for greater assessment increases, the bill may provide local governments with more flexibility to raise funding through property tax revenues. This could have effects on schools and other public services funded primarily through property taxes, as increased funding could support educational programs and infrastructure improvements.
House Bill 1668 aims to repeal an existing statute, specifically section 137.073 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, and replace it with a new version that modifies the inflationary growth factor for tax assessment growth pertaining to both real and personal property within political subdivisions. The bill's intention is to update how property values are assessed and increase the cap on allowable growth, thereby potentially impacting how much revenue local governments can generate through property taxes.
However, there are points of contention regarding the implications of increasing the tax assessment growth factor. Critics may argue that this could lead to higher property tax bills for residents, particularly those on fixed incomes who may struggle to afford increased taxes. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, contend that maintaining adequate funding for local services is essential and that increased revenue from property taxes could enhance public welfare without significantly burdening homeowners.