9-10-2025 9:33pm

Warren County's Adam Mathews along with State Reps. David Thomas Introduce A First in the Nation Senior Protection from Foreclosure Act

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH-- State Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and David Thomas (R-Jefferson) announced that they introduced the Senior Protection from Foreclosure Act – the first legislation of its kind in the nation.

The bill would prevent a senior homeowner from being foreclosed upon for delinquent property taxes. The sponsors shared that the goal of this legislation is to codify existing standard practices across Ohio to keep elderly residents in their home regardless of property tax delinquencies.

“This 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,” said Representative David Thomas. “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 bill’s sponsors have introduced many pieces of legislation aimed at property tax reform in this General Assembly as the legislature looks to address the issue from all different angles.

“We have heard from our constituents, calling with real fear of being taxed out of their homes,” said Representative Adam Mathews. “I’m grateful to be working with Rep. Thomas to codify the informal kindness courts and treasurers often show, to ensure people are confident in their piece of the American Dream.”

The Senior Protection from Foreclosure Act is relatively straightforward according to the sponsors. Properties valued below $750,000 that are owner occupied with an owner who is at least 65 and making some form of payment cannot be foreclosed on, regardless of delinquency amount.

“This bill tackles the fear that grandma will be kicked out of her home for property tax delinquencies, it just will not happen in Ohio,” said Rep. Thomas. “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.”

This protection would make Ohio the first in the nation to prevent foreclosure on senior residents. Conversations have been occurring on this policy with those in local government involved with the property tax process.

The bill awaits a number and committee assignment.