By: Shaheen H.J.R. No. 127
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the maximum amount
of the local option residence homestead exemption from ad valorem
taxation by a school district.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1-b, Article VIII, Texas Constitution,
is amended by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (e-1)
to read as follows:
(e) The governing body of a political subdivision, other
than a school [county education] district, may exempt from ad
valorem taxation a percentage of the market value of the residence
homestead of an individual [a married or unmarried adult, including
one living alone. In the manner provided by law, the voters of a
county education district at an election held for that purpose may
exempt from ad valorem taxation a percentage of the market value of
the residence homestead of a married or unmarried adult, including
one living alone]. The percentage may not exceed 20 [twenty]
percent. However, the amount of an exemption authorized pursuant to
this subsection may not be less than $5,000 unless the legislature
by general law prescribes other monetary restrictions on the amount
of the exemption. The legislature by general law may prohibit the
governing body of a political subdivision that adopts an exemption
under this subsection from reducing the amount of or repealing the
exemption. An individual [eligible adult] is entitled to receive
other applicable exemptions provided by law. Where ad valorem tax
has previously been pledged for the payment of debt, the governing
body of a political subdivision may continue to levy and collect the
tax against the value of the homesteads exempted under this
subsection until the debt is discharged if the cessation of the levy
would impair the obligation of the contract by which the debt was
created. The legislature by general law may prescribe procedures
for the administration of residence homestead exemptions.
(e-1) The governing body of a school district may exempt
f
rom ad valorem taxation a percentage of the market value of the
residence homestead of an individual. The percentage may not exceed
50 percent. The legislature by general law may prohibit the
governing body of a school district that adopts an exemption under
this subsection from reducing the amount of or repealing the
exemption. An individual is entitled to receive other applicable
exemptions provided by law.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 5, 2019.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment to increase the maximum
amount of the local option residence homestead exemption from ad
valorem taxation by a school district from 20 percent to 50
percent."