Jed Davis Introduces Illinois Property Tax Relief Package
Representative Jed Davis, from the 75th District, introduced a four-bill legislative package aimed at increasing transparency and limiting future tax increases.
Davis recently filed what he is calling the “Property Tax Relief Bill Package,” a set of proposals designed to provide taxpayers with clearer information about where their tax dollars go while also placing new limits on how much local taxing bodies can increase assessments and levies.
“Illinois has the highest property taxes in the nation,” Davis said. “Time and time again, I hear from constituents their number one issue is property taxes. This problem has gone unaddressed for far too long – which is why I am committed to working across the aisle to provide real solutions to the people of Illinois.”
The legislative package includes four separate bills, each addressing different aspects of property taxation.
HB4290, would increase transparency around property taxes in Illinois. The bill requires property tax bills to include additional information, such as a QR code linking to the property’s five year tax history, assessor contact information, and the budgets or levy ordinances of the local taxing districts that collect the taxes. It also creates a Property Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, outlining rights such as access to clear tax information and the ability to appeal assessments. In addition, if a local taxing district raises its levy to more than 105% of the previous year’s amount, it must send direct notice to taxpayers informing them of the increase.
HB4299, would create the “School Spending Efficiency and Relief Act,” aimed at reducing administrative costs in Illinois school districts and directing more funding to classroom instruction. The bill requires districts to keep administrative spending at or below 15% of operating expenses and to gradually reduce costs if they exceed that level. Districts over the cap would also be unable to hire additional administrators until they comply.
The bill also increases financial transparency by requiring districts to post budgets online and publish superintendent and large consultant contracts at least 30 days before approval. It links property tax levies to student enrollment, meaning taxes could only increase if enrollment rises and would have to decrease if enrollment falls. The measure would take effect immediately and remain in place until January 1, 2032,unless extended.
HB4317, proposes changes to the Illinois Property Tax Code to limit how much a property’s assessed value can increase each year. Under the bill, most properties’ equalized assessed value (EAV) could not rise more than the lesser of 3% or the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Properties classified as “long-term ownership property,” generally owner-occupied homes meeting certain criteria, would face an even stricter cap of 2% per year. These limits would not apply to increases caused by property improvements or additions. The bill also preempts local governments from imposing higher assessment increases than these caps.
HB4320, proposes amendments to the Illinois Property Tax Code to limit annual property tax increases on individual parcels of real property starting with tax year 2027. Under the bill, a taxing district would generally be restricted to raising the property tax on any parcel by no more than 3% of the previous year’s tax amount, referred to as the “base amount.” Exceptions to this cap include increases due to substantial improvements made to the property, properties that were not previously taxed by the district, or increases related to special service areas. For properties that had a homestead exemption in the prior year but lose eligibility, the base amount is calculated as though the exemption had not been applied. Additionally, the bill allows taxing districts to seek voter approval via referendum to be exempt from the 3% limit for one or more taxable years. If enacted, the provisions would take effect immediately, with the tax limitations applying beginning in 2027.
Davis said addressing property taxes should not be a partisan issue, emphasizing that homeowners across the state face the same financial pressures.
“Property tax relief should be bipartisan,” Davis said. “I am hopeful my colleagues across the aisle will come to the table and work together on this legislation to address the top issue in our state.”
The package is in the process of moving through the Illinois 104th General Assembly.
Endnotes:
“Rep. Jed Davis Files Property Tax Relief Bill Package.” Office of State Representative Jed Davis, [Press Release], March 11, 2026, https://www.repjedavis.com