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.
HB 162 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities or counties) from using eminent domain to acquire property outside their own boundaries. The bill adds a new provision (Section 2206.003) to the Government Code stating that political subdivisions "may not take through eminent domain public or private property located outside the political subdivision's boundaries." This directly affects local governments seeking to acquire land for projects beyond their jurisdictional limits. The law creates a clear restriction on eminent domain use, overriding prior allowances that permitted such acquisitions outside boundaries.
HJR 30 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas cities, counties, and other local governments (excluding school districts and junior colleges) to limit property taxes on the primary homes of low-income elderly (65+) or disabled residents and their surviving spouses. It would let local governments set a tax cap that cannot increase as long as the homeowner maintains their qualifying homestead exemption, or require a voter referendum if 5% of registered voters petition for it. Surviving spouses aged 55+ who meet financial criteria would retain the tax cap after the homeowner's death. The amendment does not create new taxes but restricts existing property tax increases for eligible homeowners, with exceptions for significant home improvements. This is a proposed constitutional change, not an enacted law.
