Texas Senate Bill SJR29

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing body of a political subdivision other than a school district to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the market value of an individual's residence homestead and authorizing the legislature to prohibit the governing body of a political subdivision that adopts such an exemption from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption.

Impact

The proposed changes would directly influence how property taxes are assessed at the local level, granting local governing bodies significant powers to establish tax relief measures tailored to their community needs. By permitting local authorities to exempt a specified portion of market value from taxation, SJR29 could help lower the tax burden on residents, potentially fostering more affordable housing options and encouraging homeownership within the jurisdictions. Furthermore, the amendment specifies that the state legislature may regulate procedures concerning these exemptions, reinforcing a balance of authority between state and local governance.

Summary

SJR29 proposes a constitutional amendment that allows the governing bodies of political subdivisions, excluding school districts, to adopt exemptions from ad valorem taxation based on the market value of individual residence homesteads. The bill specifically sets a predefined exemption amount of $5,000, with provisions for local governing bodies to authorize higher exemptions in cases where the average market value of homes exceeds $25,000. This legislative initiative aims to provide more flexibility for local governments to support their taxpayers through tax relief measures on homestead properties.

Contention

While supporters of SJR29 may argue that this proposal grants necessary relief to homeowners and enhances local governance, there could be points of contention surrounding its implementation. Critics might express concerns that allowing various tax exemptions might lead to inconsistencies between local jurisdictions, ultimately creating complications in property tax assessments and distribution of public funding. Furthermore, the provision that allows the legislature to potentially restrict local governments from reducing or repealing such exemptions may also raise debates about local control and state oversight, fueling discussions on the balance of power within Texas's political framework.