TX
Texas Senate Bill SJR3

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR3

Filed
3/1/23  
Out of Senate Committee
3/21/23  
Voted on by Senate
3/22/23  
Out of House Committee
5/16/23  
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

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.

Impact

The passage of SJR3 would significantly influence state laws regarding property tax assessments and exemptions. Specifically, it increases the existing residence homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 and allows for adjustments based on rising exemption amounts for the elderly and disabled. This shift is projected to yield around $16.5 billion in tax relief, fundamentally altering how local school district funding is structured and potentially alleviating financial burdens on many Texas homeowners.

Summary

SJR3 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at facilitating ad valorem tax relief for Texans. The resolution seeks to allow the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for tax purposes, increase the exemption amount from ad valorem taxation applicable to residence homesteads, and adjust tax limitations for elderly or disabled citizens. If approved by voters, the changes would not only provide immediate tax relief but also establish a more systematic approach to property taxation in Texas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR3 appears largely positive with widespread support from many legislative members and the public who advocate for lower property taxes. Discussions during committee meetings highlighted an acknowledgment of the need for tax relief among Texas residents, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled. Proponents emphasize the amendment as a necessary step toward making Texas more affordable, while also voicing expectations of increased voter approval during the upcoming ballot.

Contention

Despite its favorable reception, SJR3 faces contention from some advocacy groups who contend that such measures should aim for more permanent solutions to high property taxes, beyond temporary relief. Opposition voices express concerns that the proposed amendments may not address the root causes of rising property values and subsequent tax escalation. Furthermore, critics argue that an over-reliance on exemptions could weaken funding for public schools, thereby potentially impacting education quality in the long run.

Latest SJR3 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SB3

Enabled by Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration.

Similar Bills

TX HJR87

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HJR20

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HJR19

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.

TX HJR153

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a reduction of the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes for the first tax year in which the owner qualifies the property for a residence homestead exemption based on the amount by which the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead reduced the appraised value of the owner's former residence homestead for the last tax year in which the owner qualified the former residence homestead for a residence homestead exemption.

TX HJR105

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran regardless of whether the property was the residence homestead of the surviving spouse when the disabled veteran died and harmonizing certain related provisions of the constitution.

TX HJR2

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the 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; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the governing body of certain appraisal entities.

TX HJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the 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, to establish the property tax relief to rental households fund and authorize the legislature to provide payments to rental households from that fund based on a proportion of rent paid, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief and property tax relief payments to rental households from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.

TX HB1977

Relating to encumbrances that may be fixed on homestead property.