Kentucky Senate approves bill sending large property-tax increases to voters

The Kentucky Senate on day 42 approved Senate Bill 41, a measure that would require a ballot question if a property-taxing entity raises its tax rate by more than 4 percent.

Senator from Davies, the bill’s floor sponsor, told colleagues the change was a response to constituents’ concerns about rising property taxes. "Property taxes have skyrocketed. Property taxes is the number 1 complaint I get from my district," the sponsor said while explaining that the proposal would place the question before voters rather than forcing recall petitions. The sponsor said the bill excludes the so-called "nickel tax" from the calculation.

The measure came to the floor by motion from the senator from Taylor and faced limited floor debate before a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded the final tally at 26 yays and 9 nays; the chair declared the bill passed.

The bill’s principal effect is procedural: it changes how substantial rate increases are resolved by putting the question before voters rather than relying on recall mechanisms. The sponsor and supporters framed the change as giving taxpayers a direct decision on significant rate increases. Opponents registered their disagreement on the record during the roll call and by casting negative votes.

Next steps: as a passed Senate bill the measure will proceed through the legislative process (further processing and any enrollment or cross-chamber action is not described in the transcript). Individual votes by member name beyond those recorded in the roll call were not listed in full in the transcript.