Proposed bill would freeze property tax increases for Kentucky homeowners 65 and older

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A proposed constitutional amendment moving through the Kentucky General Assembly would freeze property tax increases for homeowners 65 and older.

If Senate Bill 51 ultimately passes the legislature and is approved by voters, seniors would no longer pay higher property taxes when their property assessments increase.

They would still owe property taxes, even if tax rates rise, but the taxable value of their home would be locked in at the assessed value from the year they turn 65 or the year they purchase the home, whichever comes later.

"For instance, if your home was $200,000 when you turn 65, and it goes up to $300,000, you will still pay the tax on the $200,000 in whatever rate it is," Sen. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville, said as he explained the bill to fellow lawmakers.

Nemes has pushed similar legislation in previous sessions, but the bill has never cleared the General Assembly. This year, however, it has drawn bipartisan backing.

When the 2026 bill was voted on in the State & Local Government Committee last month, it passed unanimously.

"This is probably the No. 1 thing that I get calls and emails about in my district," said Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville. "They say 'I've done my job. I've done everything the right way. Please stop raising my taxes on my property.'"

"I, too, get emails constantly from people that say 'I'm going to have to sell my home or move out of my home because I can't afford the taxes,'" added Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville. "We know that, for those low-income seniors, home ownership is how they build and transfer wealth to the next generation."

SB51 later cleared the full Senate without opposition. It now heads to the House. If lawmakers there approve it, the proposal would appear on a statewide ballot as a constitutional amendment, giving Kentucky voters the final say.

If the bill passes, it would be added to the 2027 General Election ballot for the voters to decide.

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