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HB 246

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 4 co-sponsors

Bill limits school district tax rate increases following property reassessment to protect taxpayers from sudden assessment-driven tax spikes.

Tabled in Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 246

Legislative bill overview

HB 246 proposes to modify Delaware's property tax system by limiting how much school districts can increase their tax rates following a general property reassessment. The bill amends Title 14 of the Delaware Code to establish constraints on tax rate increases that occur when properties are revalued for taxation purposes.

Why is this important

General property reassessments can cause significant tax increases for homeowners and businesses when properties are revalued upward, even if tax rates remain technically unchanged. By capping allowable tax rate increases after reassessment, this bill would protect property taxpayers from sudden, substantial tax bills while potentially constraining school district revenue growth during reassessment cycles.

Potential points of contention

  • School funding impacts: Education advocates may argue that limiting post-reassessment tax increases constrains school district budgets at critical times, potentially affecting teacher salaries, programs, and facility maintenance
  • Property tax equity: Opponents may contend that caps on tax rates create inequitable outcomes where similarly-valued properties pay different amounts depending on reassessment timing
  • Revenue predictability: School districts rely on stable revenue streams for multi-year budgeting; caps could create unpredictability and force difficult budget cuts

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

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