By Giulia CarbonaroShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA former lawmaker in Oklahoma has filed a petition with the state secretary’s office to put the question of eliminating property taxes to voters at the next general election—an issue that is being debated in many GOP-led states across the country.
The initiative by former state Representative Mike Reynolds, a Republican who represented the 91st district between 2002 and 2013, has received the support of two other lawmakers in the state.
Why It Matters
Property taxes have increased all across the country in the past five years, as home values appreciated during the pandemic home-buying frenzy. Several GOP-led states are now trying to slash property tax bills to offer relief to struggling homeowners—a few are even suggesting that eliminating property taxes might be a better solution.
Experts warn against such a drastic move, however, as they fear local governments would struggle to make up for the sudden, massive loss in revenues.
What To Know
Reynolds’ petition, officially known as State Question 841, would ask voters to approve an amendment to the Oklahoma state constitution which will completely phase out property taxes.
Beginning with tax year 2027, "every homestead qualified under the laws of this state shall be entitled to an exemption from all ad valorem taxation," the petition’s text reads. This exemption will increase gradually between 2027 and 2029.
In the tax year 2027, the exemption would be an amount equal to 33 and one-third percent of the full assessed value of the homestead. In the tax year 2028, the amount would be equal to 66 and two-thirds percent of the same value. And in the tax year 2029, 100 percent.
Crucially, the exemption "shall not apply to ad valorem taxes levied for the payment of principal or interest on any valid bonded indebtedness incurred by any school district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision prior to December 31, 2026," the petition adds.
...The impact of this elimination of property taxes, Reynolds wrote, would amount approximately to a $400 million reduction of ad valorem revenue in 2027, $800 million in 2028, and $1.2 billion annually beginning in 2029.
This loss in revenues for local governments—who use property taxes to pay for public services including roads, safety, and education—concerns Oklahoma County Commissioner Jason Lowe, who called it "a scary proposition," according to the Oklahoma Voice.
"That would destroy county government," he said.
Two current state lawmakers backed the petition, including state Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) and state Representative Jay Steagall (R-Yukon).
Newsweek tried to reach Lowe and Reynolds by phone on Tuesday.
What People Are Saying
Reynolds said in a statement reported by Fox 25: "I just don’t think a person’s house should be sold for nonpayment of property taxes."
Lowe said, as reported by the same news site: "As commissioner, my responsibility is to protect the stability, safety, and long-term well-being of Oklahoma County."
What Happens Next
Before heading to voters on the November 2026 ballot, the proposal must pass through the state attorney general’s office and gather 92,260 signatures within 90 days.
Reynolds is confident the petition would easily reach that threshold. "I think we’ll probably get the signatures pretty quick," he said.
If successful, the plan laid out in Reynolds’ petition would become effective as of January 1, 2027.
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