TX
Texas Senate Bill SJR3

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR3

Filed
3/1/23  
Out of Senate Committee
3/21/23  
Voted on by Senate
3/22/23  
Out of House Committee
5/16/23  
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an 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 ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

Impact

The passage of SJR3 would significantly influence state laws regarding property tax assessments and exemptions. Specifically, it increases the existing residence homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 and allows for adjustments based on rising exemption amounts for the elderly and disabled. This shift is projected to yield around $16.5 billion in tax relief, fundamentally altering how local school district funding is structured and potentially alleviating financial burdens on many Texas homeowners.

Summary

SJR3 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at facilitating ad valorem tax relief for Texans. The resolution seeks to allow the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for tax purposes, increase the exemption amount from ad valorem taxation applicable to residence homesteads, and adjust tax limitations for elderly or disabled citizens. If approved by voters, the changes would not only provide immediate tax relief but also establish a more systematic approach to property taxation in Texas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR3 appears largely positive with widespread support from many legislative members and the public who advocate for lower property taxes. Discussions during committee meetings highlighted an acknowledgment of the need for tax relief among Texas residents, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled. Proponents emphasize the amendment as a necessary step toward making Texas more affordable, while also voicing expectations of increased voter approval during the upcoming ballot.

Contention

Despite its favorable reception, SJR3 faces contention from some advocacy groups who contend that such measures should aim for more permanent solutions to high property taxes, beyond temporary relief. Opposition voices express concerns that the proposed amendments may not address the root causes of rising property values and subsequent tax escalation. Furthermore, critics argue that an over-reliance on exemptions could weaken funding for public schools, thereby potentially impacting education quality in the long run.

Latest SJR3 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SB3

Enabled by Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration.

Similar Bills

NJ S476

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

NJ A1047

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

NJ A1646

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

NJ S909

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

TX HJR87

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HJR20

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HJR19

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

NJ SCR92

Proposes constitutional amendment permitting certain veterans and their surviving spouses to receive enhanced homestead rebate amounts similar to the homestead rebate amounts allowed for senior and disabled residents.