Committee advances Senate substitute for HB 2745 to allow protest petitions on property-tax increases

The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee voted to recommend favorably a Senate substitute for House Bill 2745, which would provide a protest-petition process allowing voters to challenge certain increases in property-tax revenues.

Amelia, staff to the committee, summarized the bill as the petition version addressing property-tax revenues and said it "would provide a protest petition to contest certain increases in property tax revenues" and would continue reimbursements from the taxpayer notification cost fund for an additional five years.

The measure also includes amendments to revenue-neutral rate provisions to add notification about the petition process, Amelia said. "It would also continue reimbursements from the taxpayer notification cost fund for an additional 5 years," she added.

Senator Peck moved that the committee "pass Senate Substitute for House Bill 2745 and recommend it favorable." Senator Starns seconded the motion. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; Senator Francisco asked to be recorded as voting no.

Why it matters: The bill would create a formal mechanism for electors to protest tax-revenue increases and maintain state reimbursement for costs tied to taxpayer notification. Supporters characterized it as a means to increase voter oversight of proposed revenue increases; opponents raised concerns in the record (Senator Francisco recorded a no) but did not request further debate in committee.

Next steps: The committee recommendation advances the substitute for further consideration under the Senate process.