Ballot Measure 79 amends the Oregon Constitution to prohibit governments from imposing new real estate transfer taxes. This includes either a tax, fee or other assessment imposed on the sale or transfer of real property or a tax based on the value of the real estate.

Current state law prohibits local governments from imposing a new tax or fee on real estate transfers, but does allow the Legislature to impose a tax with a three-fifths vote. The Legislature also currently has the authority to remove the prohibition with a simple majority vote. This measure would eliminate that authority.

This ballot measure does not apply to a tax, fee or other assessment that was in effect and operative on December 31, 2009. There are several statewide and local fees that would remain in effect, as well as a real estate transfer tax in Washington County.