State Rep. Matt Maddock today announced House passage of his legislation to improve transparency in local tax elections, marking the first bills approved as part of a broader House Republican effort to lower property taxes for Michigan families.

House Bills 4583 and 4584 would require new or increased local millages and school bond proposals to appear only on the November general election ballot, when voter turnout is highest.

Currently, property tax increases in the form of school millage proposals are frequently placed on low-turnout ballots in May or August. Because those elections consistently see the lowest voter participation, decisions that directly affect local property taxes are often made by a relatively small share of the community.

“School millages increase property taxes, plain and simple,” Maddock said. “Right now, low-turnout elections make it easier for those increases to pass without the majority of residents weighing in. These reforms help prevent property taxes from rising without broad community support.”

Maddock continued by saying this is also a transparency issue.

“This practice has become a strategy for some cities and school districts to advance unpopular proposals with reduced public attention,” Maddock said. “Low-turnout elections mean fewer people are aware these proposals are even on the ballot. Requiring these questions to appear on the November ballot ensures greater public participation and that the outcome better reflects the will of the community.”

House Bills 4583 and 4584 now move to the Senate for further consideration.