‘Shot clock’ property tax reform bill advances without opposition 

The Ohio House Ways and Means Committee adopted an amended version of House Bill 613, the “Shot Clock Bill,” that would streamline the property tax appeals process during its third hearing on the proposal.

The appeal process for taxation in Ohio needs a rework. Rep. @clickforohio and I introduced HB 613 to add shot clocks on appeals and more protections for taxpayers seeking changes to their taxes. pic.twitter.com/tLXFQdNyxl

— David Thomas (@DavidThomasOH) April 26, 2026

Sponsored by Reps. Gary Click, R-Vickery, and David Thomas, R-Jefferson, the bill seeks to impose statutory timelines on the Ohio Department of Taxation and Board of Tax Appeals to reduce lengthy delays that have frustrated taxpayers and businesses.

While the bill did not receive opposition testimony, following remarks by Democratic ranking member Dan Troy, one amendment appears to have addressed concerns by strengthening the Problem Resolution Officer program with staffing, public directory, and reporting requirements, while expanding the original measure to more than two dozen sections of the tax code.

If passed, the bill would extend the initial protest period from 60 to 90 days for property tax reassessments and refunds, while adding strict ‘shot clocks’ on assessors to review contested property taxes, conduct hearings, and issue determinations.

Aimed at addressing frequently cited frustrations among Ohio homeowners, the bill would also halt interest accrual on unresolved assessments after one year, while allowing homeowners to appeal directly to the BTA.

Is America's 250-year experiment as a constitutional republic over? Private property is the bedrock of our freedom, allowing generational wealth transfer. Ohio's complex property tax system, taxing unrealized gains and threatening foreclosure, #PropertyRights #TaxReform pic.twitter.com/jE5MPt7jGT

— Ohio Political News (@OHPoliticalNews) June 5, 2026

The bill comes amid a ballot measure to eliminate property taxes altogether. Critics argue that eliminating property taxes would centralize control at the state level,  as income and sales taxes are redistributed, removing local autonomy.

During sponsor testimony, however, Rep. emphasized the need for property tax reforms while underscoring the fundamental right to timely redress of grievances.

“Among the most prized principles of American liberty include the right to redress our government, due process and a timely adjudication of alleged violations,” Click said. “We have the right to tell the government that they got it wrong, we have the right to prove our point, and we have the right to a timely response.”

He added that the reforms will also help Ohio be competitive by cutting red tape and unnecessary impediments to businesses.

HB 613 adds consistency, uniformity, and shot clocks on tax appeals to the State. It is good government and needed reform. Happy to join Rep. @clickforohio ! pic.twitter.com/T6rjSUQCs9

— David Thomas (@DavidThomasOH) April 12, 2026

“This bill helps give our taxpayers more certainty and more of a fair fight,” Rep. Thomas said. “The longer their appeals are delayed the longer they are not being served.”

Nick Rhodes, of the Ohio Business Roundtable, echoed that sentiment.

“Ohio’s businesses are committed to meeting their tax obligations, but they are increasingly burdened by tax appeals and a refund system in which disputes can languish for years.”

Proponent Hannah Kubbins, of Americans For Prosperity Ohio, also noted the persistent delays when challenging tax assessments, adding that the bill will help provide Ohio taxpayers with an appeals process that’s fair, predictable, and timely.

“Right now, over 2,000 cases sit in the Ohio Department of Taxation’s docket, with some dating back to 2018,” Kubbins testified. “Ohio workers and business owners who believe they have been incorrectly assessed are filing appeals, waiting for hearings, and then waiting again, sometimes for years, before receiving a final determination. When a decision finally comes, it may not even address the arguments they raised.”

Without opposition,  HB 613 advanced through committee and will likely proceed to the House floor for consideration in the coming weeks.