Texas Senate Bill SB1096

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, SB1096 could change the landscape of property taxation within the state by limiting how much the assessed value of residential properties can increase year-over-year. Property tax revenues, which are a significant source of funding for local services such as schools, police, and fire departments, could be impacted by this limitation. There is potential for reduced funding if property values rise sharply and the recovery of funds through increased assessments is curtailed under the new restrictions.

Summary

SB1096 is a legislative bill that aims to place limitations on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead for the purposes of ad valorem taxation. This bill is intended to provide financial relief to homeowners by preventing significant increases in property tax assessments that could arise from a fluctuating real estate market. Supporters of the bill argue that it would help stabilize property taxes for residents, making it easier for them to budget and plan for expenses related to home ownership.

Contention

There has been significant discussion surrounding the potential implications of SB1096. Proponents assert that the bill is crucial for protecting homeowners from unmanageable increases in their property taxes, especially during periods of economic hardship. Conversely, opponents express concerns that such a limitation could lead to underfunding of essential public services, as local governments would have fewer resources to draw from. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between the need to provide financial relief to homeowners and the need to ensure adequate funding for public services reliant on property taxes.