U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson has entered the GOP fight over property‑tax relief with a plan funded by revenue expected when the state sales tax returns to 4.5% in 2027. His campaign estimates the higher rate will generate $111 million in the first year.
Johnson proposes a $400 annual credit for about 260,000 owner‑occupied households and a two‑year property‑tax exemption for first‑time homebuyers. Estimated cost: $104 million for the credit and $3–6 million for the exemption.
His plan joins competing proposals from Gov. Larry Rhoden, House Speaker Jon Hansen, businessman Toby Doeden, and Sen. John Carley, all offering different approaches to reducing or eliminating property taxes. The issue is expected to dominate the 2026 legislative session.
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