Texas House Bill HJR26

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year.

Impact

If passed, HJR26 could significantly alter how property taxes are assessed in Texas, making it more predictable for homeowners to plan their finances year over year. With the cap in place, property owners might see reduced tax burdens as municipalities would be limited in their ability to drive appraisal values upward. Legislators supporting this bill argue that it protects homeowners from unforeseen spikes in property taxes that might occur due to rapid developments in the real estate market.

Summary

HJR26 proposes a constitutional amendment that would empower the Texas legislature to control the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes. It specifically aims to set this limit at 105 percent or greater of the property's appraised value from the previous tax year. This change addresses concerns related to escalating property taxes and provides a regulatory framework for property valuations that may benefit homeowners during inflationary periods.

Contention

Debate around HJR26 may center on its broader implications for state revenue sources. Critics could argue that limiting property tax assessments could lead to reduced funding for public services, especially in education and infrastructure. There may also be discussions about the effectiveness of a flat percentage cap versus a more nuanced approach that considers property market fluctuations. Overall, the amendment seeks to balance the need for stable revenue for local governments while protecting homeowners from excessive taxation.