In response to rising property tax bills across the state, Republican Reps. Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) are preparing to introduce a constitutional amendment to cap annual property taxes at 1.25% of a home’s appraised value—and 1% for seniors.

The proposal comes as many counties brace for 2026 reappraisals and growing taxpayer frustration. Fischer said the measure would provide substantial relief to homeowners, but critics, including several Democrats, argue it could severely undermine funding for schools and public services. Cuyahoga County alone could see a $1.7 billion drop in collections if average tax rates were reduced to the proposed cap.

Gov. Mike DeWine recently vetoed several property tax relief measures, favoring another working group instead. Fischer warned that continued delays could push voters toward a separate citizen-led amendment to eliminate property taxes altogether, possibly appearing on the November 2026 ballot. 7/9/2025