Proposing a constitutional amendment to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total market value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

HJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the full market value of primary homes from property taxes for Texans aged 65 or older who have held the exemption for 10 consecutive years, and for surviving spouses aged 55 or older who continued living in the home after their spouse’s death. The exemption would apply to the total market value (not just a portion), take effect January 1, 2027, if approved by voters, and require the legislature to develop revenue protection formulas for school districts. Exceptions allow continued taxation for properties with debt backed by property taxes until the debt is paid. The amendment must be voted on by Texas voters in a May 2, 2026, election.