Oklahoma bill sends senior tax freeze to public vote

March 12, 2014

News9.com: Oklahoma voters would decide whether seniors, regardless of income, should have their property tax rates frozen under a bill that has passed the Oklahoma House.

The House voted 63-27 on Wednesday for the resolution by Oklahoma City Republican Rep. David Dank. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The bill would send to a vote of the people a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow individuals aged 65 and older to have the fair cash value of their property frozen. Oklahoma seniors already qualify for the exemption, but only if their household income is below a certain level. Dank's proposal would expand the exemption to all seniors.

Opponents said the bill would reduce revenue for local schools and counties.