By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri House has overwhelmingly passed a property tax reform bill that would mandate rollbacks in tax rates during years that reassessments take place.
State Representative Mike Sutherland (R, Warrenton) says it would also keep homeowners informed about the reassessment process.
"It provides them information so they can ask questions to the right place, whether it be the taxing districts that need to be asked about their rates, or whether it be the assessor needing to be asked about the assessment of their property," Sutherland said.
But the House version does not provide tax credits for low-income senior citizens who own their homes, which the Senate wants.
House members also added on an amendment that would block a large hike in state fees charged to businesses that seek vehicle and driver's license records.
The State Senate rejected the House bill and moved to appoint conference committee members.
Senate President Pro-Tem Michael Gibbons (R, Kirkwood) is confident they can work out the differences.
"We're down to the last few days, we end on Friday at 6:PM whether we like it or not, so time is a concern...we've made the motion to send the bill to conference...our conferees are ready," Gibbons said.
Negotiators from both chambers are scheduled to meet Wednesday at noon to hammer out their differences.