Texas 2023 - 88th 2nd C.S.

Texas House Bill HJR2

Filed
7/10/23  
Out of House Committee
7/11/23  
Voted on by Senate
7/13/23  
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the governing body of certain appraisal entities.

Impact

If passed, HJR2 would have a significant impact on Texas tax laws, particularly in affecting the way property appraisals are conducted and how taxes are levied on various properties. The amendment would provide temporary tax relief for property owners and enhance financial protections for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled. It would also allow for a modified approach to the taxation of properties, enabling the legislature to implement broader and more equitable tax measures during times of fiscal necessity.

Summary

HJR2 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at addressing property tax issues in Texas by enabling the legislature to impose a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property, excluding residence homesteads, for ad valorem tax purposes. Additionally, it seeks to increase the exemption amount from ad valorem taxation for residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000, and to adjust the limitations on taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of elderly or disabled individuals. The proposed amendment is set to be voted on by the public in November 2023 as part of a broader initiative for tax relief and appraisal reform in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR2 appears to be largely positive among its supporters, including many legislators who view it as a critical step towards meaningful property tax reform. There is a strong belief among proponents that the amendment will provide much-needed relief to homeowners and help mitigate the financial strain of rising property taxes. However, there are concerns from some groups regarding the long-term implications of such tax limitations, particularly regarding potential impacts on funding for local education and public services.

Contention

Despite the overall support for HJR2, notable points of contention exist. Critics argue that the proposed limitations and exemptions might lead to funding shortfalls for essential services funded by property taxes, especially in education. They caution that while tax relief can be beneficial, it must not come at the expense of adequate funding for schools and local governments. Furthermore, the temporary nature of the proposed limits raises questions about their sustainability and effectiveness in the long term, leaving some stakeholders concerned about what may happen after the expiration of these measures.

Companion Bills

TX HB2

Enabled by Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2

Enabled by Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX SB2

Enabled by Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX SB2

Enabled by Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR56

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to set lower limits on the maximum appraised value of residence homesteads and of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes and to make permanent the limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead.

TX HJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to set lower limits on the maximum appraised value of residence homesteads and of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes and to make permanent the limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district.

TX HJR55

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district.

TX SB1

Relating to a reduction in the maximum compressed tax rate of a school district and additional state aid for certain school districts impacted by compression, an increase in the amount of certain exemptions from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, an adjustment in the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in the exemption amounts, and the protection of school districts against the resulting loss in local revenue.

TX SJR85

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.

TX HB338

Relating to the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation.

TX HB442

Relating to the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation.

Similar Bills

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district.

NJ S91

"Homestead School Property Tax Reimbursement Act"; provides State reimbursement for 50% of school property taxes paid by seniors, 65 years and older.

NJ A270

"Homestead School Property Tax Reimbursement Act"; provides State reimbursement for 50% of school property taxes paid by seniors, 65 years and older.

TX SJR1

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

FL S1210

Transfer of Homestead Property by Inheritance

TX HJR73

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district may impose on the residence homesteads of certain low-income persons who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

TX HJR167

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead or 115 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the last year in which the residence homestead was appraised for ad valorem tax purposes, to limit the frequency of the reappraisal of a residence homestead for those purposes, and to permit the voters of a county to establish a higher limitation on the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for those purposes.