Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Texas House Bill HJR7

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

Impact

If enacted, HJR7 would significantly revise Texas's taxation structure concerning educational funding and provide considerable financial relief to vulnerable populations. Specifically, the bill aims to prevent unreasonable tax hikes on qualified homesteads while maintaining the necessary funding for school districts. While the proposal provides benefits to the elderly and disabled, it recognizes the need for school districts to receive adequate support, necessitating legislative measures to offset potential revenue losses due to increased exemptions.

Summary

HJR7 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that seeks to increase the exemption amount for residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation levied by school districts. The current exemption amount is set at $25,000, and the proposed amendment will increase this to $50,000. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, who are eligible for this property tax exemption. In addition to increasing the exemption amount, the bill also seeks to reduce the limitations on school district taxes imposed on residents who qualify, ensuring that these individuals are shielded from rising tax burdens as property values increase.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HJR7, notable contention arose regarding the implications for school district funding. Opponents of the bill raised concerns that increasing tax exemptions could lead to funding deficits for schools, adversely affecting educational programs and services. Proponents, on the other hand, argued that the bill addresses long-standing inequities in property taxation that disproportionately affect the elderly and disabled. They contended that the proposed changes would enhance the affordability of housing and increase the overall quality of life for these populations, making a strong case for balancing taxation with the needs of vulnerable communities.

Companion Bills

TX HB123

Enabled by Relating to an increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district, a reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount, and the protection of school districts against the resulting loss in local revenue.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR6

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX SJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX HJR137

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX HJR115

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in the exemption amount.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HJR122

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in the exemption amount.

TX SJR71

Proposing a constitutional amendment to use revenue attributable to oil and gas production taxes to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX HJR44

Proposing a constitutional amendment to appropriate money from the general revenue fund to the foundation school fund and use the money to finance a temporary increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and a temporary reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

Similar Bills

TX HJR83

Proposing a constitutional amendment to phase out ad valorem taxes on the residence homesteads of elderly persons by 2021.

TX SJR6

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the calculation of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed by certain political subdivisions on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.

TX SJR13

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX HJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and to reduce the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX HJR22

Proposing a constitutional amendment to appropriate money from the economic stabilization fund to the foundation school fund and use the money to finance a temporary increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and a temporary reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect the increased exemption amount.

TX HJR139

Proposing a constitutional amendment to revise the ad valorem tax limitations on residence homesteads of elderly and disabled persons and their surviving spouses to take into account certain residence homestead exemptions.

TX SJR3

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX SB32

Relating to the calculation of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed by certain taxing units on the residence homestead of an individual who is elderly or disabled.