April 16, 2025

Property Tax Reform

Greetings from our beautiful state Capitol building! The past few months has been a whirlwind of activity as I settled into the role of your state senator. It is hard to believe we are a few weeks away from the end of session.

My top priority this year is working toward property tax relief for Jackson County, and I’m working to pass three bills that would accomplish this goal.

Senate Bill 87 would place an optional 5% cap on residential property tax liability by allowing counties to grant a property tax credit to eligible taxpayers, which includes an owner of a homestead or legal or equitable interest in a homestead, and those who are liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead. This legislation has received some floor debate, but was set aside for future discussions. I am hopeful this important piece of tax reform is brought up again before the body and passed to provide Missourians the opportunity for property tax relief.

Additionally, I am handling two House bills in the Senate. The first, House Joint Resolution 23, and my Senate Joint Resolution 35 would both propose an amendment to the Missouri Constitution requiring the Jackson County assessor to be elected. Currently, all charter counties elect their assessors, except for Jackson County. If passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor, this legislation would go on the ballot for approval by voters. I believe the assessor should be chosen and, therefore, held accountable by the people of Jackson County. The decisions assessors make can have potentially devastating effects on a person’s financial wellbeing, and I am going to fight to ensure this bill is passed and sent to the governor’s desk.

House Bill 999 would allow the State Tax Commission to hold counties accountable when assessors aren’t responding to orders that reduce the property tax burden on citizens. The commission would first order the county to come into compliance with state law regarding modifying assessed valuations. If the county fails to comply, the commission can then direct the Missouri Department of Revenue to withhold local sales tax money the county would normally be entitled to receive. I believe it is important to make it clear to counties violating state law there will be substantial consequences, and I am hopeful this legislation is brought before the full Senate for debate soon.

Please visit Sen. Nicola’s official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Nicola for more legislative and constituent resources.

Senator Joe Nicola proudly serves the citizens of Jackson County in the Missouri Senate.