OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, which aims to ease property tax burdens for seniors across the state.

House Joint Resolution 1081 seeks voter approval of a constitutional amendment to remove the income requirement for seniors to qualify for Oklahoma’s property tax freeze program, allowing more seniors to freeze their home’s taxable value and avoid increases tied to rising property values.

"This is about recognizing that many seniors are living on fixed incomes, even if they do not fall under an arbitrary income cap," Manger said. "They have worked their entire lives, paid into their homesteads and should not be priced out of their homes because of rising property values."

Under current law, seniors age 65 and older may freeze the taxable value of their homestead, but only if they meet certain income limits. HJR1081 would eliminate that income threshold, allowing eligibility to be based primarily on age and residency.

The measure would require homeowners to be at least 65 years old, have occupied the property as a homestead for at least seven years, and have a fair cash value of $700,000 or less.

Manger said the decision should ultimately rest with the people, since it is their money.

"This ultimately comes down to letting the people decide," Manger said. "This is their money, and they deserve a say in whether this protection is expanded to more Oklahoma seniors."

Manger has worked on ad valorem tax relief affecting seniors for more than six years during his time in the House and believes the proposal reflects a commonsense approach to tax relief.

"When property values go up, it may look good on paper, but it can create real pressure for seniors trying to stay in their homes," Manger said. "This is why I have worked on property tax relief for several years. This is a meaningful step toward helping more seniors stay in their homes with stability and peace of mind by ensuring their property taxes do not continue to climb year after year."

If approved by the Senate, HJR1081 would be placed on a statewide ballot for a vote of the people.

The measure is now eligible to be heard in the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa.