House approves bill to cap home assessments at most recent sale value (opt-in)

The Missouri House perfected and ordered printed House Bill 7 80, a measure that would let qualifying homeowners opt in to a rule that ties assessed value to the property's most recent sale price.

The Gentleman from Greene, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the measure is aimed at homeowners facing sharply rising assessments. "No property can be assessed for higher than the amount at which it previously sold, for assessment purposes," he said on the floor, describing an opt-in process with an effective reference date of Jan. 1, 2026.

Members adopted a House amendment requiring assessors to disclose the method and computation used to reach a valuation and to identify any third‑party data relied upon. The amendment, offered by the Gentleman from Saint Louis, was adopted on the floor.

Supporters framed the bill as a tool to protect seniors, long-time homeowners and others from unexpected tax increases tied to rapidly rising market appraisals. Critics in questioning warned about potential unintended consequences and asked whether a bottle‑neck effect could follow if many owners opt in; some members also asked whether the measure could echo California-style limits on assessment that have long-term budgetary effects.

The House perfected the bill as amended during the same floor session; the journal records adoption of amendment and perfection vote during the session. The transcript does not record Senate action or a final enactment date.