Texas Bills

HB 100 directs Texas to use federal border security funds (from Public Law 119-21) to issue one-time cash payments to qualifying Texas homestead property owners. The comptroller would deduct up to $28 million for administrative costs from funds received by April 30, 2026, then divide the remainder equally among all households with a homestead exemption as of January 1, 2026. Each eligible household would receive a single payment by August 1, 2026, with the rebate treated as non-taxable income that won’t affect state benefit eligibility. Any federal funds received after May 1, 2026, would instead be deposited into the state treasury for school district property tax rate compression.

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.

HB 205 allows Type B economic development corporations to provide financial assistance to businesses damaged by declared disasters (by Texas governor or U.S. president) and to support workforce development and economic stabilization in affected areas. Specifically, it authorizes grants or loans for business relocation, repair, or elevation of infrastructure, and workforce/economic stabilization efforts. All projects must be approved by the municipality, completed within two years of the disaster declaration, and properly documented for oversight. The bill amends Texas Local Government Code to create this framework for disaster recovery projects.

HJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the full market value of a primary residence from property tax for two groups: homeowners aged 65 or older who have held the homestead exemption for at least 10 years, and surviving spouses who were 55 or older when their spouse died and continue living in the home. The amendment requires the legislature to create revenue protection formulas for school districts and allows continued tax collection for property-secured debt obligations until those debts are paid. If approved by voters in May 2026, the exemption would take effect January 1, 2027, providing significant tax relief for eligible elderly homeowners and their surviving spouses.

HB 187 allows the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to issue emergency or temporary orders for debris disposal or controlled burning after weather emergencies, based solely on a county judge's request - without requiring a formal state or federal disaster declaration. It directly affects county judges (who can request these orders) and the TCEQ (which must respond promptly). The bill exempts these requests from standard procedural requirements under Section 5.502 of the Water Code and applies to weather emergencies occurring before, during, or after the bill's effective date. This streamlines emergency waste management during weather events like storms or floods.

HB 248 creates a second statutory probate court (Probate Court No. 2) in Hidalgo County, Texas, while redesignating the existing probate court as Probate Court No. 1. It also expands jurisdiction for Hidalgo County courts at law, giving them concurrent authority with district courts in family law cases and civil cases involving claims under $750,000. These changes apply only to cases filed on or after the bill’s effective date, leaving pre-existing cases governed by prior law. The bill directly affects Hidalgo County residents and courts handling probate, family, and civil matters. It does not alter existing court structures for cases filed before the effective date.

HB 251 clarifies how property tax values are determined during appeals. It defines "value not in dispute" in tax protests or appeals as the taxable value listed on the appraisal roll for the property in the *previous* tax year. This applies to property owners challenging their tax assessments under Texas Tax Code Chapters 41 or 42. The change simplifies the appeals process by establishing a clear standard for undisputed property values, eliminating the need for re-evaluation of that portion.

HB 203 limits annual spending for Texas local governments (like counties, cities, school districts, and special districts) that impose property taxes or issue bonds. It requires these entities to cap annual spending increases at the combined rate of inflation (based on the consumer price index) and population growth, excluding disaster relief costs. The bill defines key terms like "inflation rate" and "disaster relief cost" to calculate the spending limit. This directly affects how local governments budget and adjust tax rates each year. The law aims to control spending growth by tying it to measurable economic and demographic factors.

HB 204 clarifies the governance and territorial boundaries of the Harris County Flood Control District. It states that the district's area matches Harris County's full borders (unless modified by other state laws like the Water Code), and requires a public election by September 1, 2028, to decide if the district could expand to include neighboring counties. The bill updates the district's foundational rules while keeping the Harris County Commissioners Court as its governing body. This directly affects Harris County residents and the district's operations for flood control, water management, and drainage.

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 243 establishes the Texas Interoperability Council to create a statewide plan ensuring emergency communication systems work together across the state. The council will administer grants to local governments (cities, counties, and special districts) for purchasing compatible communication equipment and building infrastructure that supports seamless emergency response. Council members, appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, will develop the strategic plan and manage grant distribution. This bill creates the framework for coordinated emergency communications without requiring legislative action on specific equipment purchases.

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.