The Indiana House of Representatives voted Monday to allow Hoosiers the opportunity to vote in the November election on whether or not to write property tax caps into the state constitution.

The resolution now moves to the Indiana Senate where if it passes the decision to amend the constitution will rest with voters.

Constitutionally protected property tax caps passed a significant hurdle last Thursday in the House of Representatives, in spite of House Democrats filing three amendments in an attempt to delay passage of the caps. The property tax caps constitutional amendment, also known as House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1), passed on second reading unamended and was eligible for third reading and final passage on Monday.

“Hoosiers deserve the opportunity to vote whether or not to permanently cap their property taxes in November 2010. Today, we took a big step forward in allowing them that opportunity,” said Representative Rich McClain (R-Logansport), who represents most of Carroll County. “If passed, constitutional caps will ensure Hoosier homeowners’ most valuable asset - their home, has permanent protection.”

In response to the property tax crisis that homeowners experienced in 2007, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation in 2008 that capped homeowner’s property taxes at one percent, rental and agricultural property at two percent and business property at three percent. The bill passed with an 82-17 vote in the House and 41-6 vote in the Senate.

House Republicans pledged to add this reform to the Indiana State Constitution. In order for a new provision to be added to the state constitution, it must be passed by two separately elected General Assemblies as well as the public before it can be amended to the constitution.