Tennessee Republicans Launch Constitutional Amendment Campaign to Ban State Property Tax
Republican leaders launch statewide campaign for constitutional amendment banning state property tax, though Tennessee hasn’t had one since 1946.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Tennessee Republican leaders have launched a statewide campaign to pass a constitutional amendment that would permanently prohibit a state property tax, despite the state not having implemented such a tax for more than 75 years.
The “Yes on 2” campaign has appointed chairpeople across all 95 counties to advocate for the amendment’s passage in the November 3 election. The initiative primarily features Republican lawmakers and county mayors leading the effort in their respective counties.
Campaign organizers described the push as “bipartisan,” citing Nashville Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman as chairman of the Davidson County drive. Freeman owns Freeman Webb, a large property management company.
Democratic Lawmaker Denies Involvement
When contacted Monday, Freeman disputed his listed role in the campaign. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Freeman said when asked about serving as Davidson County chairman.
Freeman recalled receiving a phone call two years ago asking if he supported “not having a state property tax” and responding “yes,” but said he is not leading the county effort. He represents the only Democratic lawmaker listed among the campaign’s leadership.
“I’ve talked to a lot of my constituents, Republicans and Democrats, that are concerned we’re about to have a massive shortfall in our finances because of mismanagement from the current administration and the Republican supermajority,” Freeman said.
Financial Concerns Drive Opposition
Freeman pointed to the Republican-controlled legislature’s decision to expand Gov. Bill Lee’s private-school voucher program as an example of spending that could eventually force lawmakers to consider a state property tax. The voucher program expansion carries a price tag of $270 million next year.
Tennessee has not imposed a state property tax since 1946, making the constitutional prohibition largely symbolic under current circumstances. However, supporters argue the amendment would provide permanent protection against future tax implementation.
The proposed constitutional amendment requires approval from a majority of voters who cast ballots in the gubernatorial election to be added to the state Constitution. Gov. Bill Lee is expected to serve as campaign co-chair for the “Yes on 2” effort.
The campaign’s organization spans Tennessee’s 95 counties, with local officials and lawmakers tasked with building grassroots support for the November ballot measure.
