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Taxes & Budget

HJR1012

An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution Providing That The General Assembly May Enact Laws Exempting Property From Taxation.

Failed

Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment

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AI-Generated Summary

HJR 1012 is a proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would expand the authority of the General Assembly regarding property tax exemptions. Currently, the state constitution restricts property tax exemptions to those explicitly provided for within the constitution itself. This resolution seeks to amend Article 16, Section 6, to authorize the General Assembly to enact additional laws that exempt specific properties from taxation. If passed by the legislature, the proposal would be submitted to Arkansas voters for approval or rejection in a general election. The amendment would take effect on January 1, 2025, if successfully adopted.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries would be property owners, businesses, or specific industries that the General Assembly chooses to provide with tax relief. Depending on subsequent legislation, this could include homeowners, charitable organizations, non-profit entities, or specific commercial sectors that are granted exemptions under the new authority.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary group negatively impacted would be state and local governments, including school districts, counties, and municipalities that rely on property tax revenue for funding public services. Because property taxes are a significant source of local government budgets, widespread exemptions could lead to reduced funding for public infrastructure, education, and municipal services, potentially resulting in budget shortfalls or the need for tax increases on non-exempt properties.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us