Senate passes property tax relief

By Lesley Stedman Weidenbener
lstedman@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate passed a bill yesterday to encourage local governments to move away from dependence on property taxes.

House Bill 1001, approved 37-12, also would increase the homestead deduction — reducing tax bills for owner-occupied houses — to ease the impact of an assessment system scheduled to take effect next year.

Senate Tax Committee Chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said the bill would provide "permanent and lasting" relief for Hoosiers, who spend more of their income on property taxes than residents of most other states.

"We must act now," he said.

The House-approved bill was different, so the measure will go to a conference committee where members will seek a compromise.

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