Remaining measures only expand existing state programs
JOAN BARRON Star-Tribune capital bureau | Posted: Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:00 am
CHEYENNE - The Wyoming House Friday shot down a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed property tax relief for homeowners.
A second bill to tie property tax assessments to the inflation rate died without getting a hearing as the deadline for House debate on House bills passed Friday evening.
The two failed bills leave three property tax proposals alive and ready for action in the Senate:
* House Bill 92, to expand a tax break program for low-income homeowners by raising income and asset thresholds.
* House Bill 33, to expand the veterans' tax exemption.
* House Bill 151, to change the eligibility standards for the state's tax rebate program for the elderly and disabled.
A fourth bill adopted Friday, House Bill 107, is a backup in case HB 92 fails in the Senate, said the sponsor, Rep. Rodney "Pete" Anderson, R-Pine Bluffs.
Lawmakers have been considering numerous property tax relief measures in response to complaints about rapidly rising property values around the state.
Rep. Monte Olsen, R-Daniel, the sponsor of the failed constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 3, said it would let a future Legislature decide whether to restrict increases in property tax collections and assessments.
The amendment would have added a separate class or property just for residential property. Residential property is now in the same property class as agricultural and commercial property.
Olsen said there has been considerable "fear-mongering" about the impact of the change, particularly on agriculture.
Rep. Doug Samuelson, R-Cheyenne, said the change would ruin the balance of the tax system.
"This is a very, very serious issue," Samuelson said.
Rep. Sue Wallis, R-Gillette, said removing residential property from the third property class would leave agriculture and commercial property to bear the brunt of any change in property tax rates.
House Speaker Pro Tem Tom Lubnau, R-Gillette, said that only a constitutional change can accomplish meaningful property tax relief.
Olsen's bill failed on a 43-11 roll-call vote, with six representatives excused.
Contact capital bureau reporter Joan Barron at 307-632-1244 or joan.barron@trib.com.