
<a href="https://reason.com/2025/07/21/for-years-oregon-stole-peoples-home-equity-over-modest-tax-debts-a-new-law-puts-an-end-to-that/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
In a significant turn of events, Oregon has finally decided to give homeowners a break from a practice that felt more like a horror movie plot than a legal process. Governor Tina Kotek recently signed a bill that stops the government from snatching away home equity just to settle minor tax debts. Yes, you heard that right—no more losing your entire home over a small tax bill! This change comes after a long, arduous journey stemming from the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision that slammed this practice as nothing short of unconstitutional.
The new legislation ensures homeowners are notified of overdue taxes and, if they face foreclosure, they’ll actually be able to keep their extra equity through a streamlined process. To make sure that these properties are sold for their fair market value, the law even requires local governments to bring in real estate agents to handle the sales. Can you imagine? It’s like they’re treating homeowners like actual humans instead of ATM machines for tax collections!
This move is a triumph against what many have dubbed “home equity theft.” It seems Oregon is finally taking a step towards protecting its residents while saying goodbye to practices that left countless families in distress. Now, as you ponder how this new law could change the lives of those in precarious financial situations, let’s discuss—what do you think should be the next step in reforming tax collection practices across the country?
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