SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro is supporting legislation aimed at giving the state additional time to protect homeowners from losing their home’s equity during the property tax sale process.

“Working families are feeling the economic pressure – from property tax bills to the rising cost of living,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We need to shift that burden from their shoulders, and this legislation represents an opportunity to make these necessary changes to the property tax sale system.”

When homeowners fall behind on their property taxes, it can place them in a vulnerable position where they can lose their residence during a tax sale. Many lose their homes due to minimal debt, sometimes owing less than $1,000. Currently, when a home is sold at a tax sale, investors keep the extra value of the property while working families lose out after having spent years building that equity.

House Bill 598 would push the start date of the annual property tax sale process back from March 10 to Dec. 1, 2026. Delaying the start date aims to give Illinois more time to address issues with the Cook County property tax sale system and ensure taxpayers’ rights are being considered.

“Losing your home while struggling financially is not what the American Dream looks like,” said Castro. “Delaying the tax sale process is not only right, it is responsible as it presents the opportunity to create more long term-solutions to our property tax problem.”

House Bill 598 passed the Senate on Thursday.