Rep. David Thomas Votes to Eliminate Replacement Property Tax Levies

COLUMBUS—State Representative State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives approved House Bill 28. This legislation aims to simplify Ohio’s property tax system, promote transparency, and avoid unintended property tax increases by eliminating replacement property tax levies.

Under House Bill 28, local governments will be prohibited from proposing replacement property tax levies – which can mislead voters and result in unexpected property tax increases – beginning with elections held on or after October 21, 2025. The bill will not affect existing replacement levies.

“Making sure that our local government entities are as transparent as possible and assisting the public on being informed have always been priorities of mine,” said Thomas. “I believe this bill will help do that and aid in our push for property tax relief for Ohioans. I would like to note that levying entities can still pass a renewal with an increase levy to receive the additional funds but being more transparent to voters throughout this process. I thank Representative Adam Mathews and Thomas Hall for bringing this bill to the General Assembly and I was happy to make the motion to pass it out of committee.” 

The legislation will preserve the ability of local governments to renew existing levies and propose increases or new levies directly.

House Bill 28 now moves the Ohio Senate for consideration.