Tennessee voters ban statewide property tax

Tennesseans approved Amendment 2 at the polls on Tuesday, permanently barring the state from imposing a statewide property tax on homeowners.

The measure enshrines a specific ban in the Tennessee Constitution. It sets the statewide property tax rate at 0% and closes the door on future state levies unless the constitution is amended again.

This outcome preserves a fiscal tradition that has lasted for more than 75 years. Tennessee has not collected a statewide property tax since the mid-20th century.

Supporters of the amendment argue that the state's tax code has attracted residents and businesses seeking a new location. Critics expressed concern that the state might eventually need the property tax option as a revenue source.

Local governments retain their current authority to levy property taxes. The new language in the state constitution does not alter the way counties and municipalities collect funds for local services.

Amendment 2 was one of three constitutional changes on the Tuesday ballot. Amendment 1, which provides for a blanket denial of bail for accused violent criminals, also passed. Amendment 3, known as Marsy’s Law, expanded victims’ rights during the judicial process and received voter approval.