Ohio House approves bill to limit unvoted property-tax increases to rate of inflation

Columbus — The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 186 on Oct. 21, 2025, a measure that limits future unvoted property-tax increases to the rate of inflation and establishes transition aid for affected school districts, the chamber recorded 72 affirmative votes and 23 negative votes.

Supporters said the bill prevents sharp, unexpected tax spikes tied to recent property revaluations and provides short-term state funding to soften the transition. Representative Dave Thomas, the sponsor, told colleagues that the bill will stop future spikes and estimated the state would prevent “dollars $1,700,000,000” in excess taxes over the next three years if the bill passed. “If we are responsible for setting the law of the land for Ohio ... dollars $1,700,000,000.0 is the amount we can tell our taxpayers, you are not paying,” Thomas said on the floor.

The legislation was presented as a package of changes to the property-tax system, intended to protect long-term residents and limit unvoted increases resulting from rapid property-value growth. Representative Romer, speaking in favor of the bill, called it “the most impactful legislation in the last 50 years” on property taxes and framed it as a compromise developed with county auditors, school officials and legislative staff.

Why it matters: The bill responds to public outcry after several rounds of revaluations produced large tax increases for some homeowners. The measure starts protections in the second half of 2026 and pairs the cap with transition aid intended to backfill school districts that would otherwise lose revenue under the new limit. Representative Byrd said the bill includes roughly $360,000,000 in fiscal 2027 and $105,000,000 in fiscal 2028 from an expanded sales-tax holiday fund to provide that hold-harmless transition.

Key debate and objections: Opponents said the bill does not target relief to seniors or low-income homeowners and that large commercial property owners could receive outsized benefits. Representative Rogers, who opposed the bill, described it as insufficiently targeted, saying homeowners in parts of Lucas County would receive “absolutely 0 property tax relief” under the measure. Representative Troy offered an amendment to restore prior rollbacks and replace an owner-occupied percentage credit with a $1,000 indexed credit; the amendment’s sponsor said it would deliver more targeted relief for seniors and low- and moderate-income homeowners. That proposed amendment was laid on the table by a 62-33 vote and did not become part of the bill.

Local impacts: Several members described specific district impacts. Representative Odioso said Oak Hills School District faces an expected $790,000 reduction in 2026 and about $670,000 in 2027 under the bill’s transition formula and urged further review. Members repeatedly noted the complexity of Ohio’s 600-plus school districts, differing appraisal cycles, and the 20-mill floor calculation that amplified recent spikes.

Formal actions: The House recorded a roll-call vote on final passage, with the clerk announcing 72 affirmative and 23 negative votes; the presiding officer declared the bill passed and entitled. An amendment to alter rollback funding and credits was tabled earlier in the debate by recorded vote (62 affirmative, 33 negative).

What the bill does (as discussed on the floor): Limits unvoted increases in certain property-tax calculations to the rate of inflation starting in the second half of 2026; creates transition/hold-harmless funding for school districts; modifies credits and formulas tied to inside millage/20-mill-floor consequences as described by sponsors. The bill does not retroactively change past tax bills.

Next steps: The bill title was agreed to on the floor; sponsors and opponents indicated further work on targeted relief and homestead issues will continue in future sessions and county-level decisions. Some members said additional legislation would be required to address remaining concerns about targeting relief to seniors, low-income homeowners and joint vocational school districts.

Ending note: Passage reflects a bipartisan, if contentious, effort to respond to recent tax spikes; several speakers characterized the bill as an important first step while urging continued action to provide more targeted and sustained property-tax relief.