OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, on Thursday won unanimous passage in the House of a measure that would send to a vote of the people a question asking to freeze ad valorem taxes for people whose homes have been destroyed by natural disaster.

House Joint Resolution 1046 would ask Oklahoma voters to consider freezing property taxes for one year if a home is destroyed by fire, tornado, earthquake or other meteorological events. To qualify for the exemption, the event must render a person's primary residence uninhabitable for at least six consecutive months and would be applicable based on when the damage occurred. If the damage occurs on or before June?1, the full exemption applies during that tax year; if it happens after June?1, the exemption applies in the following tax year.

"If a person's home is destroyed, they should not have to continue to pay property taxes until they can live in it again," Smith said. "This common-sense measure would just grant property owners some relief in the event of natural disaster."

Smith lost his family home in a fire several years ago. While this measure would not benefit him, he said the experience helped him understand the challenges faced by those who are displaced for long periods from their dwellings.

The measure passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It now moves the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden.

If approved by the State Senate, HJR1046 will move to the Secretary of State who would be directed to refer a state question to the people for their approval or rejection on a future state ballot. The proposal would amend Section 6 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution.