Flood Introduces Legislation to Protect Taxpayers from Sudden County Property Tax Increases

October 14, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton) is introducing two bills as part of a six-bill legislative package aimed at making property taxes more predictable and strengthening protections for Pennsylvania taxpayers.

Flood is introducing one bill to limit annual county property tax rate increases and a second that would close loopholes allowing school districts to avoid voter approval requirements for major borrowing.

"Counties shouldn't be able to kick the can down the road with years of zero property tax increases and then a sudden 43.5% increase like was just proposed in Northampton County, or Allegheny County's 36% increase in 2025, or Dauphin County's 21.8% increase in 2025," said Flood. "It's bad government, and my legislation will bring some much-needed predictability and accountability to county budgeting while giving taxpayers the final say when officials want to raise taxes beyond a reasonable limit."

"At a time when the rising costs of oil, gas and electricity are already putting a strain on seniors and families, another significant property tax increase would only add to the financial burden facing residents," Flood added.

One bill would limit annual county property tax rate increases to the lesser of 4% or the applicable regional inflation rate, unless voters approve a larger increase through a referendum. The measure is intended to encourage consistent county budgeting and protect homeowners from sudden, substantial tax hikes.

Flood's second bill would prevent school districts from circumventing voter approval requirements through alternative borrowing arrangements. The proposal complements legislation introduced by Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) that would require voter approval for major school construction and renovation debt, with limited exceptions for emergencies.

Together, the two bills are part of a broader property tax reform package introduced by Flood and Reps. Tim O'Neal (R-Washington), Marc Anderson (R-York), Rader (R-Monroe) and Ryan Warner (R-Fayette). The six-bill package also includes proposals to require voter approval for certain school property tax increases, increase accountability in education spending and provide counties with another option for reducing property taxes.

The proposals seek to give taxpayers a greater voice in decisions that affect their household budgets while encouraging greater accountability in local government spending.