(The Center Square) – Propositions to amend state constitutions to reduce property taxes are on the Nov. 3 ballot in seven states. All except for one are led by Republicans.
They were added to the ballot after each respective state legislature passed a bill proposing the constitutional amendment.
Florida
In Florida, Amendment 3 is on the ballot. It would expand the homestead exemption to up to $150,000 of the assessed valuation of a primary residence in 2027 and up to $250,000 in 2028. The amount would also increase based on inflation after 2029. It applies to residents who who’ve lived in Florida for more than five years.
It also reduces the cap from 10% to 5% on annual property tax increases on non-homestead properties, including rental and commercial properties. It doesn’t apply to school property taxes.
The state constitution requires 60% voter approval for it to pass.
Georgia
In Georgia, Amendment 1 is on the ballot. It would reduce the tax burden for farmers and ranchers and conserve agricultural land and timber. It would increase “the maximum acreage to qualify for assessment and taxation as a bona fide conservation use property” by increasing the partial property tax exemption from 2,000 to 4,000 acres.
The state constitution requires a simple majority by voters to pass.
One property tax measure that isn’t on the ballot would have provided a homestead property tax exemption for the families of disabled veterans because an amended version of a bill proposing the exemption never made it out of the legislature.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, four propositions related to property taxes are on the ballot to help seniors, spouses of disabled veterans and low-to middle-income residents.
Amendment 1 would allow the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability to receive a property tax exemption.
Amendment 6 would authorize parishes and municipalities to extend an additional property tax homestead exemption for seniors age 65 and older.
Amendment 9 would increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for the residential homestead exemption.
Amendment 10 would allow property tax exemptions for blighted or derelict properties that have been rehabilitated. It also requires the legislature to enact laws to oversee and administrate these exemptions.
In May, voters defeated a proposition that would have authorized parishes to reduce or eliminate property taxes businesses pay on inventory and production equipment.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, State Question 847 is on the ballot, which would reduce the annual limits on how quickly taxable property values can increase. If passed, it would cap increased taxable assessments on primary residences and farms at 1.75 percent annually, and 4 percent for other properties.
It is one of three recent measures addressing property taxes. One that was viewed as a way to reduce school property taxes was defeated in August. Another that would gradually eliminate property taxes altogether is before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, three constitutional amendments are on the ballot. Two relate to taxes.
One would require the legislature to pass laws to limit the amount that local governments may increase property taxes. Another requires the state to cut the maximum state income-tax rate by half, from 7% to 3.5%.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, three constitutional amendments are also on the ballot. One relates to property taxes, Amendment 2. It would prohibit the state legislature from imposing a state property tax on real, personal or mixed property. It doesn’t impose limits on existing local property taxes.
Wyoming
Wyoming has the most aggressive property tax cut on the ballot. Proposition Number One would cut property taxes on primary residences by half. It applies to homeowners who’ve lived in their residence for at least six months and in the state for at least one year.
