Sen. Hayden: Senior property tax freeze bill (hearing today)

By Senator Cedric Hayden
March 21, 2025

Rising property taxes are making it harder for Oregon seniors to stay in their homes. On Monday (3/24), the Senate Rules Committee will hold a public hearing at 1:00 PM on Senate Joint Resolution 1, Senator Cedric Hayden’s (R-Fall Creek) proposal to amend the Oregon Constitution to freeze property tax assessments for primary residences owned by Oregonians aged 65 and older. If passed, the measure would go to voters for approval in the next general election.

“No senior should have to choose between paying property taxes and affording necessities like food, medication, or long-term care,” said Senator Hayden, who has worked on this issue since 2019. “Oregon’s property tax deferral program traps seniors in debt, charging 6% interest and draining their home equity. That’s unacceptable. Nearly 80% of Oregonians agree: seniors deserve the dignity of staying in their homes without fear of being taxed out.”

Oregon consistently ranks among the most expensive states for retirees, and property taxes continue to rise even as seniors live on fixed incomes. Freezing property tax assessments for senior homeowners would provide long-term stability and security, helping them remain in their homes.

Senator Hayden encourages seniors and advocates to testify in person, virtually, or submit written testimony in support of the measure at Monday’s hearing.