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Senate committee advances constitutional amendment to prevent statewide property tax
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would enshrine in the state constitution a prohibition on a statewide property tax, was advanced by the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee after sponsors cited historical precedent and assurances it would not affect local property taxation.
NASHVILLE — The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 11 recommended passage of Senate Joint Resolution 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the state from imposing a statewide property tax.
Senator Hale, who presented the resolution, said the amendment mirrors language previously passed during the 113th General Assembly and is intended to reassure property owners that the state will not impose a property tax. He noted Tennessee had a state property tax prior to 1949 and that many property owners lost property during the Great Depression when they could not pay that tax.
Senator Hale said the measure would not impact local governments’ ability to levy property tax: “This does nothing to impact local governments. Local governments still will rely on property tax,” he said.
The committee had brief discussion and then voted to recommend the resolution for placement on the Senate calendar. The clerk recorded voters and noted one recorded no vote; the chair announced the resolution was recommended for passage.
Votes at a glance: SJR 1 recommended for passage to the calendar; roll-call as recorded in committee included one no vote (Senator Yarbrough) and the remainder in favor.
