Bill > SB488

This bill modifies the Texas Tax Code to expand the authority of taxing units (excluding school districts) to establish limitations on property taxes for disabled or elderly homeowners and their surviving spouses. The bill broadens the existing tax limitation provisions by replacing specific references to counties, municipalities, and junior college districts with more general language about "taxing units." Key changes include allowing these taxing units to cap the annual property tax increase for qualifying homeowners at the amount imposed in the first year the homeowner qualified for a senior or disabled person's exemption. The bill also clarifies provisions related to how tax limitations apply when a homeowner moves to a different residence within the same taxing unit or passes away, ensuring that surviving spouses can continue to benefit from the tax limitation under certain conditions. The bill will only take effect on January 1, 2026, and is contingent upon voters approving a related constitutional amendment that explicitly authorizes such tax limitations for non-school taxing units. The proposed changes aim to provide additional property tax relief for elderly and disabled homeowners across various local taxing jurisdictions in Texas.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB488