AN ACT proposing to amend Section 1 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to property exempt from taxation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Banta and 3 co-sponsors

HB 75 would amend Kentucky's constitution to redefine or specify property tax exemptions, changing which properties qualify for ad valorem tax relief (subject to voter approval).

to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)

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Summary of HB 75 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 75 proposes an amendment to Section 1 of the Kentucky Constitution related to property tax exemptions. The bill aims to modify or clarify which properties or categories of property may be exempt from ad valorem taxation under Kentucky law. As a constitutional amendment, if enacted, the change would be foundational and require voter approval to take effect.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

The bill seeks to alter the text or scope of the property tax exemption provisions found in Section 1 of the Kentucky Constitution.

The precise language of the amendment is not provided in the summary, but the typical intent of such amendments includes:

Expanding, narrowing, or reclassifying types of property that are exempt from property taxes.
Reinstating, codifying, or adjusting exemptions for categories such as primary residences, historic properties, nonprofits, agricultural land, or other property types.
Establishing criteria, limits, or conditions under which exemptions apply.

Because this is a constitutional amendment, any changes would be binding at the constitutional level and would require a statewide ballot measure and approval by voters.

Who/what would be affected

Property owners and property classifications in Kentucky, particularly those currently eligible for exemptions or those that might gain or lose exemptions under the proposed amendment.

Local assessors, county officials, and school districts that rely on property tax revenues, since exemptions influence taxable property base and revenue projections.

State policymakers and fiscal planners who must forecast revenue impacts and budget accordingly.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: HB 75 was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on January 7, 2026.

Committee trajectory: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Committees, and subsequently to the Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee (per action history: 2026-01-14 to the Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)).

Constitutional amendment path: If the bill passes the Legislature, the measure would typically require a statewide vote in a future general election (and possibly a primary or a separate ballot) for voter approval, depending on constitutional and statutory procedures in Kentucky.

Timeline impact: As a constitutional amendment, the effective date would be contingent on voter approval and any specified transition provisions; potential retroactivity or phased implementation would be determined by the final enacted language.

Additional notes

The bill’s content is focused on constitutional text, meaning changes would be foundational and long-lasting, altering how property tax exemptions are defined and applied across Kentucky.

Without the exact amended constitutional language, precise details on which properties are exempt or the qualifying criteria cannot be stated. The comprehensive impact depends on the final enacted wording.

If you’d like, I can refine this summary once the bill’s exact constitutional language is released or provide a side-by-side comparison if related amendments are introduced.