Bill > SJR7

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Ohio State Constitution to authorize land value taxation (LVT), a system where only the value of land is taxed, not the buildings or improvements on that land. The resolution modifies Section 2 of Article XII and adds a new Section 2b, allowing political subdivisions with elected governing authorities to levy a tax solely on land, which must be assessed at its true value. The new tax would be uniform and would exempt only specific types of land such as burying grounds, public schools, worship houses, charitable institutions, and public-use lands. Importantly, the resolution prohibits any mechanisms that would effectively lower land values, including partial exemptions, tax credits, or assessment at less than full value. The tax rate and revenue cannot be reduced by the state or political subdivisions, except for taxes they themselves levy. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing the existing constitutional provisions. The goal of this resolution appears to be creating a more transparent and potentially more equitable property taxation system by focusing taxation on land value rather than improvements.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sjr7