Texas Senate Bill SJR18

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the commissioners court of a county to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by the county of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead.

Impact

The proposed amendment would modify Section 1-b of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, thereby granting counties the authority to implement property tax exemptions at their discretion. This change has significant implications for state and local taxation policies, as it can lead to variations in how property taxes are levied across different counties. By potentially lowering the tax burden on residents, it aims to stimulate local economies and support homeowners, particularly those with fixed or lower incomes who may struggle with rising property taxes.

Summary

SJR18 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that allows the commissioners court of a county in Texas to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation on a portion of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead. Specifically, the amendment enables the exemption to be expressed as a dollar amount, which may not exceed $100,000. This proposal is aimed at providing relief to homeowners by reducing their property tax liabilities, thereby making homeownership more financially accessible.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR18 may arise from concerns about revenue implications for local governments. Critics may argue that while the bill seeks to provide financial relief to homeowners, it could also reduce the funds available for essential public services funded by property taxes, such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. Supporters, however, contend that the bill empowers local governments to tailor exemptions based on community needs, potentially leading to healthier residential markets and community stability.