Sponsors propose $56,000 homestead exemption for homeowners with 20+ years in residence

The House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony on House Bill 143, a reintroduced measure that would provide an enhanced homestead exemption of $56,000 — up from the current $28,000 — for Ohio homeowners who have owned and occupied their primary residence for at least 20 years and meet existing income eligibility rules.

Representatives Matthews and Brennan, both sponsors and current or former members of the Ways and Means Committee, framed the bill as targeted relief for long-term homeowners — particularly seniors and fixed-income households — who face increasing property-tax bills after recent reappraisals. “No person should have to face the decision to pay their property tax bill at the expense of a meal, their utilities, or their medications,” Representative Matthews said. He added that the bill would continue the current practice of reimbursing local taxing entities from the state GRF to hold local revenue harmless.

Speakers explained that the enhanced exemption would replace, not add to, the existing $28,000 homestead amount for qualifying homeowners. Representative Brennan confirmed the bill does not change income eligibility limits, which remain in place; committee members referenced the current income threshold in the neighborhood of $38,000–$40,000.

Committee members pressed for details on fiscal impact and the number of homeowners who would qualify under the 20-year residency requirement. Sponsors said staff would provide a fiscal note ahead of the next hearing; one sponsor noted overlap between the set of long-term homeowners and existing homestead recipients but could not provide a precise count at the hearing. Ranking Member Troy and other members said they would review fiscal estimates when available and noted broader property-tax reform discussions are ongoing.

There was no committee vote; this was the first hearing on HB143.