Is Proposition 13 Being Repealed? What Temecula Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

If you’ve recently been outside a grocery store or shopping center here in Temecula, you’ve probably seen people asking for signatures to “protect Prop 13.”

And naturally, that raises a big question:

“Wait… is Proposition 13 going away?”

Let’s clear this up with facts—because there’s a lot of noise, and homeowners deserve clarity.

 

What Is Proposition 13 (and Why It Matters So Much)?

Proposition 13 is the California law that:

  • Caps property taxes at 1% of your home’s assessed value 
  • Limits annual increases in assessed value to no more than 2% per year 
  • Reassesses property taxes only when a home is sold 

This is why many longtime homeowners in Temecula and across California have stable, predictable property taxes, even as home values rise.

 

Is Prop 13 Being Repealed Right Now?

No. Proposition 13 is NOT currently being repealed.

There is:

  • ❌ No law passed to eliminate it 
  • ❌ No active legislation reversing it 

Because Prop 13 is part of the California Constitution, removing it would require:

  • A statewide ballot measure, AND 
  • Approval by California voters 

Lawmakers alone cannot repeal it.

 

So Why Are People Asking for Signatures?

This is where the confusion comes in.

Those signature gatherers are typically supporting efforts to:

“Protect” Prop 13 from future changes

Some groups are working to place initiatives on the ballot that would:

  • Make it harder to increase property taxes 
  • Require voter approval for certain local tax increases 
  • Reinforce Prop 13 protections long-term 

In other words, they’re trying to lock it in further, not remove it.

 

Are There Any Proposed Changes to Prop 13?

There are ongoing discussions, but nothing currently changing your property taxes.

The most talked-about idea is:

Split Roll Tax (Commercial Property Focus)

  • Would keep Prop 13 protections for homeowners 
  • But reassess commercial properties at market value more often 
  • Important:
  • This would not directly impact most homeowners 
  • A similar proposal (Prop 15) was already rejected by voters in 2020 

 

Why This Topic Keeps Coming Up

You may continue hearing about Prop 13 because:

  • California faces ongoing budget pressures 
  • Property taxes are a major source of revenue 
  • There’s debate over fairness between new buyers and long-term owners 

But debate does NOT mean change is happening.

 

What This Means for Temecula Homeowners

Here’s the bottom line:

✔ Your current Prop 13 protections are still in place
✔ There is no immediate threat to your property tax structure
✔ Any major change would take years and require voter approval

 

Our Take as Local Temecula Real Estate Experts

After 20+ years helping buyers and sellers here in the Temecula Valley, we can tell you this:

Headlines and rumors often create fear—but the data and process matter.

Right now, this is more conversation than action.

And if anything were to change in the future, it would not happen overnight—we would all see it coming well in advance.

 

Have Questions About Property Taxes or Your Home Value?

Whether you’re:

  • Thinking about selling 
  • Curious how your property taxes work if you move 
  • Or just want clarity on how this affects your plans 

We’re here to help.

Reach out anytime—we’re always happy to be a resource for you.

Lori & Matt Cutka
The Cutka Team | Temecula Real Estate Experts