Property tax limit amendmentLimit how fast local property taxes can grow
Read the full text of the measure: State Board of Elections referendum list (PDF)
In plain words
Counties and cities pay for schools, police, fire and roads largely with property tax. This amendment tells the state legislature to pass a law limiting how much the total amount of property tax a local government collects (its "levy") can go up. The amendment itself sets no number. The limit, and any exceptions, would come later in a separate law. (axios.com )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Limit on how fast local property tax collections can grow | None in the constitution | The legislature must set one by law |
| How big the limit is | - | Not decided yet; left to a future law |
| Exceptions (for example, for growth or inflation) | - | Allowed, if the future law includes them |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (lrs.sog.unc.edu )
Biggest change
- The amendment does not set the limit. The actual cap, and any exceptions, would be written later by the General Assembly. source: ncnewsline.com
Who it affects most: Homeowners and businesses in fast-growing counties, and the county schools, sheriffs, fire departments and other services that property taxes pay for.
Cost to the state: Unknown. It depends on the limit lawmakers later choose.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
The legislature must pass a law limiting how fast local property tax collections can grow; the size of the limit is decided later.
No such limit goes into the constitution; counties and cities keep setting their own property tax rates.
Our one-line summary. North Carolina does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a simple majority of the votes cast on it.
- Supporters say 22 states already limit local property tax growth. source: ncnewsline.com
Why supporters want it
- Rep. Brian Echevarria (R-Cabarrus), a primary sponsor: "No one gets priced out of the home they own. They get taxed out of the home they own." On other states with limits: "The sky did not fall." source: axios.com
- Rep. Carla Cunningham (unaffiliated, Mecklenburg), who cast a deciding vote, cited worries about older homeowners being pushed out as neighborhoods change. source: ncnewsline.com
Why opponents object
- Rep. Brandon Lofton (D-Mecklenburg): "How many teachers are we willing to risk losing?" source: ncnewsline.com
- House Democratic Leader Robert Reives (D-Chatham) says lawmakers can already give relief: "This amendment doesn't change anything about your property tax." source: ncnewsline.com
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders warned of a "detrimental impact" on children, since the county adds to teacher pay with property tax money. source: axios.com
Who backs each side
- For: the Republican majorities in the General Assembly. Against: Democratic lawmakers and some local school leaders. No public record found of campaign money for either side. source: ncnewsline.com
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the State Board of Elections' official referendum list .
Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments.
FOR
AGAINST
Copied word for word from the State Board of Elections' official list of referendum choices for Nov. 3, 2026.
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.
Full text of the measure
The exact change to the constitution is in House Bill 1089 on the General Assembly's website. Read it in the State Board of Elections referendum list (PDF) , or on the Legislature's page for House Bill 1089 (Session Law 2026-5) , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- State Board of Elections: 2026 statewide referendum choices (PDF)
- Axios Charlotte: the three amendments explained
- NC Newsline: the tax amendments pass the House
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.