HB 335 Threatens Hilliard City Schools and Property Values

HB 335 is a sweeping property tax reform bill that combines elements from several prior proposals (HB 129, HB 186, and HB 309). It would fundamentally change how property taxes are levied, limited, and allocated in Ohio, with devastating implications for public school districts. This is a critical time for community advocacy to help protect stable, voter-approved revenue.

You can click the links to find Information and FAQ’s, which are designed to help community members understand the financial, operational, and legal implications of HB 335 and actively advocate to protect Ohio’s public education system and the full HB335 Testimony from Hilliard Schools to the House Ways and Means Committee by Treasurer Melissa Swearingen and Superintendent David Stewart.

Next Steps: The provisions in this bill could be added to the budget bill during the conference committee process. It is crucial that legislators hear from you as soon as possible. Please reach out to the following committee members to make your voice heard. (There is a sample script below.)

Our children’s future and our community’s economic health depend on maintaining strong schools. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Swearingen, Hilliard City Schools Treasurer, and David Stewart, Hilliard City Schools Superintendent

Sample Message to send:

Subject: HB 335 Threatens Hilliard City Schools and Property Values

Dear (INSERT LEGISLATOR’S NAME),

As a [parent/resident/business owner] in the Hilliard City Schools, I’m deeply concerned about House Bill 335, which threatens to devastate our local schools and economic future.

HB 335, misleadingly called the “Property Tax Relief NOW Act,” would eliminate over $1.5 billion in school funding statewide with no replacement funding. In Hilliard, this means approximately $20.8 million, or 260 teachers could lose their jobs, and programs could be eliminated.

This isn’t real property tax relief; it’s a shell game that temporarily reduces tax bills while destroying the school quality that drives property values. No family wants to buy a home in a district that has just eliminated art, music, and sports programs.

We support targeted relief for families who genuinely struggle with property taxes. Senate Bill 22 is a property tax circuit breaker that does exactly that, helping households while protecting school quality. That’s smart policy that builds strong communities.

I urge you to oppose HB 335 and support real solutions like SB 22. Our children, our community, and our economic future depend on it.

Sincerely,

[Your name, and your title/credentials if relevant]

Who to Contact:

HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE:

Rep. Bill Roemer, Chair rep31@ohiohouse.gov (614) 644-5085

Rep. David Thomas, Vice Chair Rep65@ohiohouse.gov (614) 466-3488

Rep. Daniel Troy, Ranking Member rep23@ohiohouse.gov (614) 466-7251

Rep. Gary Click rep88@ohiohouse.gov (614) 466-1374

Rep. Jack Daniels rep32@ohiohouse.gov (614) 466-1790

Rep. Steve Demetriou rep35@ohiohouse.gov (614) 644-5088

Rep. Derrick Hall rep34@ohiohouse.gov (614) 466-1177