HB 158 prohibits cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists to influence legislation. It allows exceptions for lobbying related to military, veterans, or military service issues, and for nonprofit associations providing specific legislative services like bill tracking or testimony. The bill restricts local governments from spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities while permitting limited exceptions for certain legislative support. Taxpayers may seek court action to stop violations and recover legal fees if the restriction is breached.
HB 113 would prevent local governments (such as cities or counties) from resubmitting a bond proposal for the same purpose to voters within five years of a previous rejection at a bond election. The bill adds a new rule to Texas law stating that if voters previously rejected a bond for a specific project, the government cannot ask again for that same project within five years. This rule would only apply to bond elections ordered on or after the bill's effective date. The legislation does not change existing bond requirements but limits how often a government can retry a rejected proposal.
This Texas bill changes the voter approval requirement for property tax rate increases that exceed a taxing unit's current voter-approved rate. It lowers the threshold from two-thirds to a simple majority of votes cast in the election. The change applies to cities, school districts, and other local taxing units seeking to raise property taxes. Governing bodies can no longer block tax rates approved by a majority of voters based solely on that rate.
HB 223 sets a spending cap for Texas cities and counties based on inflation and population growth. It limits annual expenditures to either the previous year's total or that amount multiplied by (1 + the sum of the latest inflation rate and population growth rate) as calculated by the Legislative Budget Board. Exceptions allow increased spending if voters approve it in an election or if a disaster declaration by the governor covers related costs. The bill directly affects all Texas municipalities and counties by requiring them to adjust spending plans annually using these specific economic metrics.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment (HJR 20) that would allow the Texas legislature to set a lower limit on the maximum appraised value used to calculate property taxes for primary residences (homesteads). Specifically, it would authorize capping the appraised value at 102% (or a higher percentage) of the previous year's value, rather than the full market value. This change would apply only to properties already qualifying for the homestead exemption and would expire if the owner no longer qualifies for that exemption. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2, 2026 election.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas legislature to cap property tax appraisals for homeowners. It would let lawmakers limit the maximum taxable value of a primary residence (homestead) to 105% of its prior year's appraised value, preventing rapid tax increases after a property sale or new ownership. The cap would apply only during the owner's tenure and expire if the property is sold, though it could continue for surviving spouses. If approved by voters, this amendment would replace current constitutional provisions governing property tax assessments.
HB 273 allows certain taxing units (like special districts, but not school districts, counties, or municipalities) to cap property taxes on the homesteads of low-income disabled or elderly homeowners. It defines "eligible individuals" as those with household income below 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill requires taxing units to calculate taxes normally but limits the total annual tax to the amount charged in the first year the homeowner qualified for the homestead exemption, preventing future increases above that level. Exceptions apply only if the homeowner makes non-repair improvements to their home. This directly affects qualifying taxing units and eligible homeowners aged 65+ or disabled individuals with low incomes.
HB 242 modifies Texas property tax collection rules to benefit property owners with past-due taxes. It requires local governments to apply payments first toward the principal tax amount before applying late fees or interest, unless the owner specifies otherwise. The bill also caps total penalties and interest on delinquent taxes at 5% of the unpaid tax amount. These changes apply only to payments received after the law takes effect, which is set for the 91st day after the legislative session ends.
HB 83 repeals additional property taxes that landowners previously faced when changing the use of certain land enrolled in Texas' open-space and timber land tax programs. The bill removes penalties for shifting land from agricultural or conservation use to other purposes under these special tax programs. Landowners participating in these programs will no longer owe extra taxes if they change how they use their property. This simplifies tax compliance for qualifying landowners by eliminating the penalty trigger. The bill directly affects landowners enrolled in Texas' open-space and timber land tax programs.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to cap the annual increase in property tax appraisals for homesteads (primary residences) at 105% of the previous year's value, rather than using full market value. It directly affects homeowners with homestead properties by potentially limiting how much their property taxes could rise each year. The key provision would let the legislature set this 105% cap through general law, with the limitation taking effect the year after the law is enacted and expiring if the owner sells the property or no longer qualifies for homestead exemption. The amendment requires voter approval in a 2026 election. It does not change current tax rates but modifies how appraised values are calculated for tax purposes.
