Senator Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, is taking a stand on property tax reform in Oklahoma in collaboration with Senator Shane Jett, R-Shawnee. The state leaders have announced a focused interim study on ad valorem taxes, which have climbed potentially beyond the voter-approved limits set by State Question 676 in 1996 and State Question 758 in 2012. These measures restrict the increase in the fair cash value of real property to five percent for most parcels and three percent for those with a homestead exemption or agricultural designation, except in specified circumstances such as sales or improvements.
Facing pressure from constituents concerned about the difficulty of homeownership, particularly for the aging population and first-time buyers, Deevers calls the perpetual payment of property taxes a stark disconnection of fundamental freedoms. "This is a fundamental issue that makes living in one's own home difficult for Oklahomans, especially seniors and young families trying to buy their first home," Deevers said, pinpointing the impact on the state's more vulnerable demographics, according to a press release from the Oklahoma State Senate.
Mirroring broader conservatism in states like North Dakota, Florida, and Wyoming, Oklahoma's legislators seek to follow the steps of other Republicans pushing for tax relief. For instance, North Dakota has ambitions of cutting property taxes for primary residences to zero over ten years, Florida is aiming for a state constitutional amendment to abolish these taxes by 2026, and Wyoming folks are petitioning to halve property taxes after a year's residency. President Trump has even backed abolishing property taxes for seniors.
With an eye toward the conservative movement's direction, Deevers expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Senator Jett; stating, "This is the direction the conservative movement is headed and Oklahomans need legislators who will not leave them behind citizens of other states while their fundamental rights are stripped," as per the Oklahoma State Senate announcement. Deevers stresses the urgency of aligning with states making strides in tax reform to protect what he sees as the waning rights to property ownership.
The study, which is now in the hands of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee chaired by Senator Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, and vice-chaired by Senator Deevers.
