Constitutional amendment; revenue neutral rate for ad valorem; millage adjustment.
Summary
SJR28 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would add new Sections 44 and 45 to Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution to create a “revenue neutral rate” framework for ad valorem property taxes. Under the proposal, county boards of equalization would calculate a revenue neutral rate each year for every taxing jurisdiction, and county assessors would place that rate on tax rolls. A taxing jurisdiction could not levy a millage rate above that revenue neutral rate unless its governing body first gives public notice, holds a public hearing, and adopts a resolution or ordinance approving the higher levy.
The resolution also requires detailed taxpayer notice. County clerks would have to notify affected property owners about proposed rate increases, including the current and proposed millage rates, the jurisdiction’s prior-year budget and millage, the taxpayer’s property values, and the hearing details. County assessors would also have to send annual statements to real property taxpayers with information about current and proposed millage rates, estimated taxes, the revenue neutral rate, the purpose of any proposed revenue increase, and how governing body members voted on the change. The measure would take effect January 1, 2028, if approved by voters, and it directs the Legislature to pass implementing laws.
Impact
If adopted, the measure would change Oklahoma’s constitutional property-tax procedures by limiting taxing jurisdictions to a revenue neutral levy unless they follow the new notice-and-hearing process and approve a higher millage rate by governing-body vote. It would impose new duties on county boards of equalization, county assessors, county clerks, and taxing jurisdictions to calculate, disclose, certify, and notify taxpayers about property-tax rates and proposed increases. It also creates a refund obligation for collections above the revenue neutral rate when a jurisdiction fails to comply, and it preserves existing constitutional millage limits while adding this new procedural constraint.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge sentiment directly. Based on the bill text, the measure is framed as a taxpayer-protection and transparency proposal, suggesting support from advocates of property-tax restraint and public notice. At the same time, the proposal would likely be viewed favorably by taxpayers concerned about rising property taxes and more cautiously by local governments that rely on ad valorem revenue.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between taxpayer protection and local fiscal flexibility. Supporters would likely emphasize the revenue neutral cap, mandatory notice, public hearings, and refund remedy as safeguards against unexpected tax increases. Opponents or skeptical local officials may object that the measure could constrain budgeting, add administrative burdens, and require refunds if procedural steps are missed. Another possible issue is the complexity of calculating and communicating the revenue neutral rate across multiple taxing jurisdictions and counties.
Revenue and taxation; Senior Service Corps Act of 2025; adjustments to Oklahoma adjusted gross income and taxable income; support services; schools; effective date.