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Committee approves bill to standardize county property reappraisal cycles to four years
Summary
Senate bill 198, presented by Jonathan Dismang and supported in testimony by county assessors, would set a uniform four-year property reappraisal cycle (with waiver options) to reduce contractor workload and prevent surprises for homebuyers; the committee passed the measure by voice vote.
The Senate Revenue & Tax Committee approved SB198 after testimony from county assessors and a sponsor presentation by Senator Jonathan Dismang. Dismang said the bill is intended "to bring some clarity on reassessment" by moving most counties to a four-year reappraisal schedule while providing an exception process.
Washington County Assessor Russell Hill, speaking on behalf of assessors, told the committee that counties currently operate on three- or five-year cycles and that the state saw many counties move to a three-year cycle during the last round. He said 70 of 75 counties use contractors for reappraisals and that concentrated shifts to shorter cycles create significant staffing and workflow challenges for contractors and the state department overseeing reappraisals.
Hill described how the shifting cycles can leave buyers and their representatives uncertain about when reappraisals occur. He gave a specific example of a property whose assessed value rose from $677,000 to about $1,100,000 at reappraisal, which he said led to an increase in the property tax bill of roughly $6,000 in a single year and left the buyer surprised. Hill also noted protections discussed during questioning, including Amendment 79 limitations that he described as capping adjustments at 5% for primary residences and 10% for other property when values are adjusted.
Senators asked technical questions about appeal rights and transition timing. Senator Patty confirmed with witnesses that owners retain the ability to appeal assessments and that appeals can be filed annually; presenters said the bill would not remove annual appeal rights. Senator Payton asked whether any county would see its current cycle shortened; witnesses said counties would finish their current cycle and then transition toward the new stagger so the bill should not shorten an in-progress cycle.
Senator Payton moved a "do pass" recommendation; Senator Petty seconded. The committee passed SB198 by voice vote.
