Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, filed legislation today to responsibly freeze or eliminate homeowners’ property taxes while shifting to a system whereby local governments and public schools are funded through adjusted sales and consumption taxes.
Bullard filed the Ad Valorem Reform Act of 2026, which would eliminate property taxes for Oklahomans age 65 or older who own their primary home outright. To stop skyrocketing increases in property taxes, Senate Joint Resolution 23 also proposes freezing property taxes for all other homeowners who qualify for a homestead exemption.
To ensure these changes don’t affect the stability of public schools and local governments, Bullard proposes these entities be funded through a fair tax model, where taxes are based on how much a consumer spends rather than on their productivity or success.
“For far too long, Oklahomans have essentially been renting their property from the government,” Bullard said. “After all, do we really own our property if we pay taxes on it? The Constitution is clear that no one shall be deprived of their life, liberty or property without due process. We can eliminate this unjust tax, but any changes must be implemented slowly and carefully to ensure we don’t defund our schools or counties. That’s why I’m proposing shifting to a fair tax system that funds schools and local governments through thoughtful adjustments to state consumption taxes.”
SJR 23 would also move all constitutional language related to property taxes into state statute, which would make it easier and faster to reform Oklahoma’s property tax laws.
“Oklahoma is long overdue for property tax relief for all homeowners, especially those who are retired and live on a fixed income,” Bullard said. “Removing that tax burden will ease the financial strain that many seniors feel every single day.”
Bullard’s legislation will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Feb. 2.
Because SJR 23 proposes an amendment to Oklahoma’s Constitution, it must be put before voters statewide if it is approved by the Legislature.
