WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 245

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LIMITATION ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS' TAX RATE AFTER GENERAL REASSESSMENT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 12 co-sponsors

Delaware bill to limit school district property tax rate increases after property reassessment was defeated 15-6 in House vote.

Tabled in Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 245

Legislative bill overview

HB 245 would amend Delaware's education tax code to cap the property tax rate increases that public school districts can impose following a general property reassessment. The bill was introduced in the House but was defeated on August 13, 2025, with only 15 votes in favor, 6 opposed, 18 not voting, and 2 absent.

Why is this important

Property reassessments can trigger significant tax bill increases for homeowners and businesses when property values change, even if tax rates technically remain the same. This bill attempted to protect taxpayers by limiting how much school districts could raise their effective tax burden after reassessment, which affects both residential and commercial property owners across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • School funding impact: A tax rate cap could reduce revenue available to public schools for operations, teacher salaries, and facility maintenance, potentially forcing difficult budget choices during reassessment periods
  • Unequal property value changes: Reassessments affect different properties differently; a rate limitation might inadequately address disparities in how reassessments hit various communities or property types
  • Constitutional concerns: Delaware's education funding structure has specific constitutional requirements that may conflict with arbitrary tax rate limitations after reassessment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.