Reduce a maximum property tax mill levy on owner-occupied single-family dwellings for school district general funds, and to repeal certain sales tax exemptions.
If enacted, HB1138 will significantly impact state laws governing property taxation, particularly with respect to school district funding. The legislation sets a new maximum levy at two dollars and sixty-seven cents per thousand dollars of taxable valuation for owner-occupied homes, which is a reduction compared to the previous cap. This change is expected to foster a more favorable climate for homeownership in the state, thereby encouraging local economic growth and residential stability.
House Bill 1138 proposes to reduce the maximum property tax mill levy on owner-occupied single-family dwellings for school district general funds while also repealing certain sales tax exemptions. The bill aims to alleviate the tax burden on homeowners and provide more predictable funding for local school districts. By adjusting the mill levy, the bill is intended to allow families to retain more of their income, which can then be redirected towards local education and community needs.
However, the bill has raised some points of contention among stakeholders. Critics argue that reducing the property tax revenue could limit the funding available for public schools, potentially leading to a decrease in educational quality. There are concerns that while homeowners may benefit from lower taxes, the long-term implications for school funding and the potential reliance on state aid could have detrimental effects on educational resources and local educational initiatives.
Moreover, the repeal of certain sales tax exemptions could lead to mixed reactions among business owners and service providers who were previously benefiting from those exemptions. Balancing the interests of homeowners, school districts, and local businesses will be crucial as the bill navigates through the legislative process.