By: Middleton H.J.R. No. 28
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 political subdivision.
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 100 [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 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 to increase the maximum
amount of the local option residence homestead exemption from ad
valorem taxation by a political subdivision from 20 percent to 100
percent."