Senate committee hears bill to eliminate replacement property tax levies, sponsors say change will increase transparency

The Senate Ways and Means Committee conducted a first hearing on House Bill 28, sponsored by Representative Matthew and Representative Thomas Hall, which would eliminate replacement property tax levies and require jurisdictions to use renewals or new levies to seek ongoing local revenue.

Supporters told the committee the change is intended to give voters clearer information at the ballot box and reduce unintended property-tax increases. "Replacements can increase the asked for amount and the taxpayer's final bill," Representative Matthew said in sponsor testimony. "Voters are also frequently unaware that there is a world of difference between the effective tax rates that they are paying on an existing levy and the…