Texas House Bill HJR11

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 103.5 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year.

Impact

If enacted, HJR11 would amend Section 1(i) of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution. The change would affect how real property is appraised for tax purposes, ensuring that property taxes are calculated based on a more stable appraisal system. This could help in maintaining affordable property ownership for residents and could make it less challenging for individuals to manage their financial responsibilities regarding property taxes.

Summary

HJR11 is a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 103.5 percent or more of its appraised value from the previous tax year. This amendment aims to provide a framework for the legislature to manage and potentially reduce the burden of property taxes on homeowners while ensuring that properties are not unfairly assessed at inflated values. The primary intent is to safeguard property owners from sudden spikes in valuation which could lead to increased taxes.

Contention

While supporters may view this as a necessary measure to protect homeowners from excessive property tax hikes, opponents could raise concerns about the overall impact on local government revenues. Limits on property tax assessments could restrict the financial resources available to municipalities, potentially affecting their ability to fund essential services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure. Furthermore, discussions may evolve around how this constitutional amendment could alter the balance between state authority and local governance in tax matters.