(Juneau) - Today, Representative Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su) introduced simple, straight forward legislation to deal with increases in property value assessments and the fees associated with the appeal process.

House Bill 390 will allow homeowners to file an appeal of their tax assessment with a municipality or borough's board of equalization, capping the fee charged by the board at $10. Currently, some local governments charge varying amounts depending on your assessed property value.

House Bill 391 will cap the rate at which a homeowner's property value can increase to two percent each year. The only way in which property value might increase by more than two percent a year is if improvements or renovations have been made since the previous year's assessment.

"The American dream of homeownership shouldn't be forestalled for younger prospective owners, or imperiled for older residents on fixed income," said Representative Stoltze. "My legislation seeks to provide some relief for over-burdened taxpayers."

The bills were referred to the House Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees.

# # #