Senate committee backs amendment sending one‑time property tax‑cap question to voters, adds DRA rulemaking authority

The Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee voted to report HB 1300 "ought to pass as amended," approving an amendment that would place a one‑time question on a general‑election ballot asking voters whether to impose a fixed cap on certain local administrative property tax growth and adding express rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).

Committee members debated whether the measure protects voters’ choice or overrides local control. A committee member in favor of the amendment argued that property taxes remain voters’ top concern and that a one‑time November question would give a broader electorate the chance to decide whether to cap growth, rather than leaving the choice to lower‑turnout town meetings. "The number one thing that we're hearing from our voters is property taxes, property taxes, property taxes," the member said, urging that voters be allowed a single…