Serine
In a significant move aimed at addressing growing concerns about property tax assessments, Missouri Speaker of the House Jon Patterson has established the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.
The initiative, announced in July 2025, is focused on enhancing fairness, transparency, and sustainability in the property tax system for both residents and local governments across the state.
Purpose of the New Committee
Speaker Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, stated that the committee will hold public forums and develop actionable recommendations to improve the property tax framework.
His goal is to urge the governor to call a special legislative session in September to consider and possibly implement these proposals.
“In Jackson County, this is a huge problem. I would say it goes to crisis levels,” Patterson emphasized, referencing the spike in tax-related complaints.
Jackson County: A Flashpoint for Reform
The push for reform follows a record number of property tax appeals filed in Jackson County in 2023. While residential property owners led the charge last year, commercial property assessments have also drawn sharp criticism in 2025.
Mark Carder, owner of The Bike Shop in Kansas City, shared his frustration after his property’s assessed value surged 489% in just one year.
“I thought it was a mistake. I immediately called to find out it wasn’t,” Carder said. He is currently appealing the increase and hopes the state will intervene with broader solutions.
Bipartisan Participation and Long-Term Goals
The committee includes voices from both sides of the aisle. State Representative Kemp Strickler, a Democrat also from Lee’s Summit, expressed optimism about the group’s ability to drive meaningful change.
“It is an issue we need to address, and I want to be a part of helping to address that,” Strickler noted, though he acknowledged that major policy changes may not be enacted until 2026.
Public Hearings Schedule
To ensure community input shapes the committee’s decisions, a series of public hearings has been scheduled:
- July 16 – Jefferson City (House Hearing Room 3, State Capitol)
- July 23 – Lebanon
- July 30 – Location TBD
- August 13 – Location TBD
- August 20 – Location TBD
- September 3 – Jefferson City
These sessions will allow residents and business owners to voice concerns, share experiences, and suggest reforms.
With property assessments drawing widespread scrutiny, the formation of Missouri’s Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform signals a serious legislative effort to address the issue.
While immediate solutions may take time, lawmakers are committed to crafting a more balanced and predictable tax system that benefits both homeowners and businesses.