State Reps. Lear and Ritter Provide Sponsor Testimony for House Bill 466

State Representatives Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) provided sponsor testimony before the House Local Government Committee for House Bill 466 – legislation that would require specific local government subdivisions to obtain approval from their legislative authority before imposing new property taxes. 

“At a time when Ohioans are feeling the pressure of rising property taxes, inflation, and cost-of-living increases, House Bill 466 provides an added safeguard—without reducing local control or voter choice. House Bill 466 strengthens trust in local government, promotes responsible fiscal decision-making, and reinforces the role of elected officials as stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

“House Bill 466 is a straightforward, commonsense measure designed to restore accountability, transparency, and local control in the levying of property taxes by Ohio’s political subdivisions,” said Ritter. “This legislation works to empower local bodies-- townships, counties, and others--to exercise oversight consistent with their knowledge of local conditions and taxpayer capacity.”

The bill requires qualifying subdivisions like park districts, library districts, and health districts to obtain approval from the local legislative authorities they are under the jurisdiction of prior to submitting a property tax to voters. 

This bill provides needed oversight for the placement of levies on the ballot, allowing the relevant governing authority to determine whether the requested tax increase is necessary and reasonable before the tax is placed on the ballot. Specifically, the bill applies to any subdivision with a legislative authority that may include a member who does not serve in a locally elected position. 

The bill received its first hearing Wednesday and awaits further consideration in the House Local Government Committee.