Bill > SB479

This bill modifies the Texas Government Code regarding the school district property value study conducted by the state comptroller, making several key changes to how property values are determined and validated. Specifically, the bill reduces the threshold for an "eligible school district" from 90% to 80% of the lower limit of the margin of error when sampling property values, and increases the acceptable margin of error for determining local property value validity from five percent to ten percent. These changes give the comptroller more flexibility in assessing property values and determining whether a school district's local property valuation is considered valid. The bill applies only to property value studies for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring a gradual implementation of these new standards. The legislation also makes some technical modifications to how certain types of property exemptions and valuations are calculated, such as adjusting language around tax increment financing zones and homestead exemptions. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or otherwise will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB479