Bill > SB467

This bill creates a temporary property tax exemption for homeowners whose primary residence is completely destroyed by fire. Under this new law, homeowners can receive a partial property tax exemption for the tax year in which the fire occurs, calculated proportionally based on the number of days the home remains uninhabitable. To qualify, the property must be a primary residence (homestead) that was habitable before the fire and remains uninhabitable for at least 30 days. Homeowners must apply for the exemption with the local chief appraiser within 180 days of the fire, and the chief appraiser can use various sources like fire marshal reports or insurance adjusters to verify the claim. If the exemption is approved after taxes have been calculated, the tax assessor will recalculate the tax bill, and if taxes have already been paid, the excess amount will be refunded to the homeowner. The bill is contingent on voters approving a related constitutional amendment and will take effect on January 1, 2026, if that amendment passes.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB467