Bill > HB1153

This bill modifies how property values are calculated for school funding purposes by changing several provisions in Texas education and government codes. Specifically, the bill eliminates the previous requirement to deduct only half of the residence homestead exemptions granted under certain sections of tax code, instead requiring the full dollar amount of those exemptions to be subtracted when determining taxable property value. The bill also removes a reference to Section 48.259 of the Education Code and repeals that entire section, which likely related to school funding calculations. Additionally, the bill allows the commissioner of education to use up to $20 million in excess education funds for grants, with this use taking priority over other potential uses of surplus foundation school program funds. The changes to property value calculations will apply to school district property value studies conducted for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and the bill itself will take effect on September 1, 2025. These modifications appear aimed at providing more accurate and potentially more favorable property value assessments for school district funding calculations.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1153