State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) has introduced new legislation aimed at curbing property tax increases for Illinois homeowners. The proposal, House Bill 4626, would lock in the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a home at the time of purchase, preventing any increase in property taxes based on rising home values for as long as the owner retains the property.
Sosnowski said his measure targets affordability concerns for first-time buyers, working families, and seniors by providing predictable property tax bills. “Depending on which study you look at, Illinois homeowners pay the highest or second-highest property taxes in the nation; meanwhile other states like Florida, Indiana, and North Dakota are considering plans to eliminate or phase out property taxes altogether,” said Representative Sosnowski. “Families should not have to pay higher taxes every year just because their home increases in value. Illinois needs property tax relief and we need it now.”
Illinois has more local taxing bodies than any other state, contributing to ongoing increases in property tax bills. If passed, House Bill 4626 would restrict spending growth among these entities and help protect residents from being priced out of their homes due to escalating taxes.
Sosnowski is also backing related measures: House Bill 3723 would limit annual property tax hikes to 1% for seniors, while House Bill 3724 proposes a 3% cap for all homeowners.
Lawmakers are set to return to Springfield this week for the 2026 Spring Session. New legislation will be assigned to committees and may be scheduled for hearings.
Sosnowski was elected as a Republican representative to Illinois’ 69th House District in 2011, succeeding Ronald A. Wait.
For further information or questions about the proposed legislation, constituents can contact Representative Sosnowski’s office at (815) 547-3436.
