Rep. Chris Todd Outlines Bold Push for Property Tax Replacement & Election Integrity
Breakfast with Representative Chris Todd brought community members together for a deep dive into several major legislative efforts he is championing this session. Most notably a property tax replacement plan, a crackdown on illegal immigration, and efforts to strengthen election integrity in Tennessee. While many of these proposals face long legislative paths ahead, Todd emphasized that Tennessee must begin these conversations now to protect homeowners, uphold constitutional freedoms, and ensure fair governance.
A “Property Tax Replacement” Vision: Not Likely This Year, But Moving Forward
One of Representative Todd’s biggest projects is a sweeping proposal to eliminate local property taxes and replace that revenue with a statewide sales‑tax increase. While he acknowledges the plan is unlikely to pass this year, Todd argues the state needs to begin laying groundwork.
How the proposal works
- Statewide sales tax increase of just under 3%
- Excludes single‑ingredient food items such as meat and flour
- Adds a 2.5% tax on money remittance sent overseas, estimated to generate $187 million
- Local governments would receive the same revenue they currently get from property taxes, distributed from the state’s general fund
Todd said the change would offer true homeownership security: “If you have to pay yearly taxes just to keep property you already paid for, do you really own it?”
He argues the current system is especially hard on seniors who have paid off their homes but face thousands of dollars in annual taxes simply to remain there.
Why now?
A constitutional amendment to remove the state’s dormant property tax authority will be on the ballot in November. Todd believes this statewide conversation provides the perfect opportunity to examine local property tax reform.
Examples of Unchecked Property Tax Growth
Todd noted several communities where property taxes have skyrocketed:
- Nashville: more than 50% increase over three years
- Contrast: Madison County has raised taxes roughly once in 25 years
He argues that these extreme increases highlight the need for structural reform, but he opposes the popular idea of capping taxes based solely on the purchase price of a home. While good for long-term residents, Todd says it’s unfair to younger families who buy homes at today’s prices and bear a heavier tax burden for the same services.
Instead, he wants a system that prevents runaway tax hikes without incentivizing small annual increases that compound over time.
Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
Todd announced his support for a new legislative package aimed at making Tennessee an unwelcoming place for illegal immigration. Key components include:
- Requiring state agencies to verify citizenship, not simply claim they do
- Mandating regular reporting to ensure compliance
- Increasing oversight and consequences for agencies that fail to properly screen applicants
Todd said the goal is to ensure Tennessee doesn’t become a magnet for illegal entry and that state resources go to lawful residents.
Energy Freedom Act: Protecting Tennessee Energy Producers
Todd is co-sponsoring legislation to stop environmental “lawfare” being used against Tennessee’s energy sector. Across the country, fossil-fuel companies are being hit with lawsuits from states like New York and California claiming emissions-related damages.
The Energy Freedom Act would:
- Prevent Tennessee courts from accepting these lawsuits
- Shield Tennessee-based energy producers from being sued over legally permitted activities
- Ensure the state remains a secure place for energy production and jobs
Election Integrity and Party Registration
Todd again pushed for party registration reform, arguing that open primaries allow crossover voting that can distort party elections. His bill passed the House last year but was stalled in the Senate.
He also noted statewide criticism of a recently passed law that eliminated local party caucuses and forced public primaries, calling it confusing and counterproductive for genuine party self-governance.
Looking Ahead
Rep. Todd’s legislative priorities represent a broad sweep of issues: property tax reform, election integrity, immigration control, and energy protection. While not every initiative will pass this year, Todd emphasized that Tennessee must begin shaping the long-term future of taxation, governance, and individual rights.