87R10785 TJB-D
By: Eckhardt S.J.R. No. 42
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing
body of a political subdivision to adopt a residence homestead
exemption from ad valorem taxation of either a percentage or a
portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the market value of an
individual's residence homestead.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1-b(e), Article VIII, Texas
Constitution, is amended to read as follows:
(e) The governing body of a political subdivision[, other
than a county education district,] 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. [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 twenty
percent. However, the amount of a percentage [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. As an alternative, the
governing body of the political subdivision may exempt from ad
valorem taxation a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the
market value of the residence homestead of a married or unmarried
adult, including one living alone. The amount of the alternative
exemption may not be less than $5,000. 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 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.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 2021.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the
governing body of a political subdivision to adopt a residence
homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation of either a percentage
or a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the market value of
an individual's residence homestead."