St. Joseph County legislators: Legislation delivering robust property tax relief and reform to Hoosiers signed into law

STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2025) – St. Joseph County legislators supported Senate Enrolled Act 1, advancing a robust package of property tax relief for Hoosier homeowners and long-term reforms. SEA 1 has now been signed into law.

Under SEA 1, through a combination of credits and reforms, Hoosier homeowners will save $1.3 billion in property taxes over the next three years. Two-thirds of Hoosier homeowners will see a lower property tax bill in 2026 than they did in 2025.

"This legislation provides a comprehensive property tax relief plan to a broad spectrum of Hoosiers including homeowners, farmers, disabled veterans and small business owners," said State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger). "By addressing the rise in property taxes, this legislation provides immediate financial relief and implements long-term reforms to the system."

SEA 1 includes the following property tax relief measures:

• A 10% property tax credit up to $300 on all homestead property tax bills beginning in 2026.
• Additional, stackable credits of $150 for fixed-income seniors.
• Exempts more Hoosier small businesses from paying business personal property tax.
• Saves farmers roughly $125 million over three years.

Additionally, it advances long-term reforms including:

• Decreases the amount of total local income taxes that local governments can collect, reducing the cap from 3.75% to 2.9%, a reduction of $1.9 billion.
• Puts stronger controls in place to rein in the $54.3 billion in local government debt.
• Requires referenda to be held during general elections to align with higher voter turnout and increase transparency of referenda questions to better note the tax impact.
• Creates a Property Tax Transparency Portal to allow taxpayers to compare their current tax bill with proposed tax rate changes.

"This law provides targeted aid to Hoosier families, offering financial relief and a better, more accountable system going forward," said State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty). "This is a big win for homeowners that will reduce property tax bills."

"It's important that we work to lower property taxes while putting stronger controls in place to prevent skyrocketing bills in the future," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "This is a significant step forward in providing financial relief for our residents."

Visit iga.in.gov to follow the legislative session, which must conclude by April 29.

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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes a portion of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo. 

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo. 

State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.