For Immediate Release
10/8/08

Senate Sends Another Rhoades Bill Limiting
 Local Government Appeals to the Governor

HARRISBURG – The Senate today overwhelmingly supported legislation that would prevent school districts from raising property taxes on homeowners following the sale of a property, according to prime-sponsor Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

Senate Bill 1258, sponsored by Rhoades, includes language that would limit local taxing districts to appeal an assessment only when a property is subdivided, improvements are added or removed, or a change of land use has occurred on the property.

Rhoades' legislation would apply to counties of the 2A through 8th class, including all but two counties in the state. Rhoades said that the measure would protect the vast majority of homeowners from spot assessments.

"I am very proud that the General Assembly has taken this vital step toward true property tax reform by protecting homeowners from these unreasonable property tax increases," Rhoades said. "This is the third different approach we've tried to deal with this troubling issue, and I hope that the third time is a charm for the taxpayers of Pennsylvania."

The General Assembly passed a similar bill sponsored by Rhoades in July that would have protected taxpayers from all spot assessments based solely on a property's sale value, but the governor vetoed the legislation. Rhoades worked with various interested parties and his colleagues throughout the summer and fall to craft a bill to protect thousands of taxpayers from this dubious practice.

Senate Bill 1258 now goes to governor's desk where it can be signed into law.

Contact:

Anna Fitzsimmons
(717)787-2637

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