Bill > HJR16

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a property tax exemption for elderly homeowners and their surviving spouses. Specifically, individuals who are 65 years or older and have received a homestead exemption for at least the preceding 10 years would be eligible to have the total market value of their residence homestead exempted from ad valorem (property) taxation. Similarly, surviving spouses who were at least 55 years old when their spouse died can continue the exemption if they maintain the same residence homestead. The amendment includes provisions to protect school district revenues by allowing the legislature to create formulas to offset potential tax revenue losses. Additionally, for political subdivisions with existing debt, they may continue to levy taxes against these exempted properties until the debt is discharged. The proposed amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027, and will be submitted to Texas voters for approval at an election on May 2, 2026, with the temporary provision expiring on January 1, 2028.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HJR16