Rep. Glassburn Introduces Bill to Establish State Credit for Homeowners and Renters

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted) today announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 881, aimed at increasing the state share of the property tax burden by establishing fixed credits of $1,000 for homeowners and a $600 credit for renters.

The state has the ability to provide direct and targeted aid to Ohioans struggling to keep up with rising property taxes,said Rep. Glassburn. We have the power to act now and address this crisis. By establishing fixed credits for homeowners and renters alike, this legislation guarantees meaningful relief for working families and ensures relief goes to those who need it most, regardless of property value.

Prior to 2013, the state helped offset property tax costs by covering 10% of levies on all residential and agricultural properties, and 2.5% on owner-occupied homes. However, HB 59 (130th GA) changed this approach, ending state support for any levy introduced after 2013. This shift created a nearly $4.8B gap in the state’s share of property taxes, increasing the burden on Ohioans. More recently, HB 186 (136th GA) has begun phasing out the 10% rollback for residential properties altogether, while gradually raising the owner-occupancy rollback from 2.5% to 15.38%. Although these changes provide some additional relief for select homeowners, they continue to exclude levies enacted after 2013. 

This credit is designed to supplement, rather than replace, the current property tax rollbacks. Unlike the current percentage model, the fixed credit does not scale with property value; it applies the same reduction to all Ohio residents, guaranteeing that individuals with more modest homes don’t receive less property tax relief than wealthier homeowners with higher property values.

HB 881 also addresses the impact of property taxes on the rental market. Since property taxes are often passed on to renters, the legislation provides a $600 refundable income tax credit to offset these costs. 

HB 881 has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration and awaits sponsor testimony.