Staff report

State Rep. David Thomas, a Republican who represents portions of Trumbull County, introduced legislation to prevent senior homeowners from being foreclosed upon for delinquent property taxes if making some sort of payment.

Touting it as the first legislation of its kind in the nation, Thomas, R-Jefferson, along with state Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, introduced the Senior Protection from Foreclosure Act in the Ohio House.

The goal of the legislation is to codify existing standard practices across the state to keep seniors in their homes regardless of property tax delinquency.

Thomas said, “The bill very simply states that if you are a senior and are making some form of payment, you will not be foreclosed on in Ohio. Right now, county treasurers do everything possible to prevent foreclosure, but I cannot look at a struggling elderly individual presently and say she cannot be foreclosed on. After this bill, we can confidently say that.”

The proposal would allow homeowners aged 65 and older, who occupy properties valued under $750,000, to retain their homes as long as they are making some form of payment, no matter how much they owe.

“This bill tackles the fear that grandma will be kicked out of her home for property tax delinquencies,” Thomas said. “It just will not happen in Ohio. The priority is keeping these elderly Ohioans in their home. The delinquent tax amount can be addressed almost like a lien on the property later, but not something worthy of displacing a senior.”