SJR 89 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would be submitted to Missouri voters. It would repeal and replace section 4(b) of article X of the Missouri Constitution to change how property is assessed for tax purposes, with a particular focus on residential property in class 1. The measure keeps the existing framework for property classes and subclasses, but adds a new rule beginning January 1, 2027, for owner-occupied primary residences in subclass (1), under which the property’s true value would be deemed to remain at the most recent previous assessment value.
Under the proposal, reassessments for qualifying primary residences could not increase the assessed valuation while the same owner continues to own the property, except to account for value added by new construction or improvements. If the home is sold, newly constructed, or otherwise changes ownership, it would be reassessed at true value at that point, and then future increases would again be limited while the new owner remains in place. The resolution would therefore create a form of assessment cap or acquisition-based freeze for homestead property, while leaving other property classes and subclasses governed by existing law.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would amend the Missouri Constitution and directly affect property tax assessment rules for owner-occupied residential real estate. It would constrain county assessors and local taxing authorities by limiting reassessment growth for qualifying primary residences, potentially reducing or slowing property tax increases for homeowners while shifting the practical effect of rising property values away from annual assessment growth. The amendment would not itself set tax rates, but it would change the assessed valuation base used to calculate property taxes for a large category of residential property.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge formal support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears designed to provide property tax relief and predictability for homeowners, which typically appeals to taxpayers concerned about rising assessments. At the same time, such proposals often raise concerns among local governments and school districts that rely on property tax revenue, because limiting assessment growth can reduce future revenue gains.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the tradeoff between homeowner tax stability and local revenue capacity. Supporters would likely favor the bill for protecting primary residences from sharp assessment increases and making taxes more predictable, especially for long-term homeowners. Opponents would likely focus on the impact on counties, cities, schools, and other taxing jurisdictions that depend on reassessed property values, as well as on fairness questions about treating long-held homes differently from newly purchased homes and from other property classes. The bill also preserves increases for new construction and improvements, which may be another area of administrative and valuation dispute.