Ohio Property Tax Reform Unlikely Before 2026 Midterm Elections

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Ohio lawmakers are unlikely to pursue additional property tax reforms before the 2026 midterm elections, according to Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman. Huffman cited the extensive negotiations and amendments required to pass the $3 billion property tax reform package signed into law last December, saying it would not be a "practical legislative accomplishment" to try to do it all over again before the end of June. While some activists continue to push for more dramatic changes, including a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes entirely, Huffman said the legislature will likely focus on discussing the issue rather than pursuing new legislation in the near term.

Why it matters

Property tax reform has been a major political issue in Ohio, with rising bills shaping state politics. Last year's reform package was a bipartisan effort to slow future tax increases and provide relief to homeowners, but some argue it did not go far enough. The prospect of additional reforms being delayed until after the 2026 midterm elections could keep the issue at the forefront of state politics.

The details

The $3 billion property tax reform package signed into law in December 2025 reshaped tax credits, expanded benefits for owner-occupied homes, and limited how quickly certain local taxes can grow when property values spike. Some provisions are set to take effect in March 2026, while others will phase in over several years. However, House Speaker Huffman said the extensive negotiations and amendments required to pass that package make it impractical to try to do it all over again before the midterm elections. Several other property tax proposals remain pending at the Statehouse, but Huffman indicated the legislature is more likely to discuss the issue than pursue new legislation in the near term.

• The $3 billion property tax reform package was signed into law in December 2025.
• Some provisions of the 2025 reform package are set to take effect in March 2026.
• The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November.

What they’re saying

What’s next

If the proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes entirely makes the November 2026 ballot, voters will decide whether the legislature's 2025 reforms were enough or if Ohio's property tax system should be dismantled altogether.