Bill > HB85

This bill modifies the voting requirements for tax rate elections in Texas, changing the threshold for approving tax rates that exceed a taxing unit's voter-approval tax rate from a simple majority (more than 50%) to a two-thirds supermajority (at least 66.7%). The bill amends multiple sections of the Health and Safety Code and Tax Code to require that at least two-thirds of voters must accept a proposed tax rate increase, rather than the previous standard of a majority rejection. These changes affect various types of local government entities, including special districts and other taxing units. The new requirements mean that if fewer than two-thirds of voters approve a proposed tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate, the taxing unit will default to its voter-approval tax rate instead of the proposed higher rate. The bill applies only to elections ordered on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring that existing election processes are not retroactively altered. The changes are part of ongoing efforts to provide more stringent controls on local property tax increases by making it more difficult for taxing units to raise rates beyond a certain threshold without overwhelming voter support.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB85