Representative Boxier presented HB511 to address what she described as “skyrocketing property taxes,” urging the committee to treat the topic as an interim study rather than advancing immediate statutory changes.

Boxier told members homeowners – particularly seniors, veterans and working families – have seen sharply higher tax bills that can force sales or lost equity. She urged a “balanced approach that provides relief to homeowners without compromising the needs of local governments” and suggested reviewing mechanisms such as treating growth and impact fees differently when calculating budgets.

Several committee members and local officials supported studying the issue in interim. Billy Hesterman of the Utah Taxpayers Association said Utah’s truth-in-taxation system has reduced tax burden over decades but acknowledged “tweaks and changes” could improve outcomes. Bert Harvey, property tax administrator for Utah County, urged caution and called Utah’s system “the best of all the worst” options he has studied.

Public commenters from Wasatch County described individual reappraisal experiences. William Kwop (online) recounted a large reappraisal impact on his tax bill and asked to be included in developing reforms.

Representative Kyle moved that the committee move to the next agenda item and ask staff to add property-tax reform to the recommended interim study list. The committee approved that motion. Committee members said the topic is complex and merits additional time to gather stakeholders, technical data and options before drafting legislation.

The committee did not advance HB511 as drafted; instead it directed staff to consider the subject for interim study.