HB 67 would require Texas to deposit half of any surplus state general revenue at the end of each biennium into a property tax relief fund. This fund would be used exclusively by the Texas Education Agency to reduce school district property taxes through adjustments to the state's "compression percentage" formula. The bill directly affects school districts and property taxpayers by creating a mechanism to lower maintenance and operations tax rates. It applies starting with the 2027-2029 state fiscal biennium and takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 166 would prohibit Texas school districts from imposing maintenance and operations property taxes starting January 1, 2028, directly affecting all school districts and property owners in those districts. It allows districts to instead levy a new "enrichment tax" of up to $0.17 per $100 in property value, separate from state funding. The bill also creates a joint legislative committee to study alternative revenue sources, such as expanding state consumption taxes, to fulfill Texas's constitutional duty to fund public schools. This bill focuses on restructuring school funding mechanisms rather than changing existing tax rates.
HB 178 requires non-school district political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and special districts) that exceed the "no-new-revenue tax rate" for five consecutive tax years to conduct an independent efficiency audit. The audit examines fiscal management, resource use, and operational efficiency, with the political subdivision covering all costs. Exceptions apply for areas declared disaster zones under state law, allowing voter approval to bypass the audit during a two-year window. Results must be discussed in an open meeting and posted online within 30 days of the meeting, and audits must be completed within three months of hiring an auditor.
HB 246 creates a joint legislative committee to study how to replace ad valorem taxes (property taxes) with local sales taxes. The committee, composed of five House members and five Senators appointed by leadership, will examine what sales tax rates would be needed to maintain current local tax revenue, address disparities between communities, and evaluate options for redistributing funds. It must submit a report by December 1, 2026, and the bill simultaneously bans all ad valorem taxes effective January 1, 2027. This affects local governments that currently rely on property taxes for revenue, requiring them to transition to sales tax systems. The bill focuses on the structural shift in tax policy, not specific revenue outcomes.
HB 222 uses surplus state revenue to reduce property tax rates for Texas school districts. It directs 90% of excess general revenue (over 104% of the previous biennium) into a property tax relief fund, which the state comptroller must allocate to lower the "state compression percentage" in school funding formulas. If this percentage reaches zero, school districts cannot impose tier one maintenance and operations property taxes and receive full state funding as if they had the maximum allowable tax rate. The bill directly affects all Texas public school districts and takes effect for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
This resolution urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal reconciliation funds to Texas taxpayers by implementing property tax relief. The Texas House of Representatives passed this non-binding resolution to formally request the Governor use the funds for property tax cuts, directing the chief clerk to forward a copy to the Governor's office. It does not require legal action or change existing tax policy, as resolutions like this serve only as a formal expression of legislative opinion.
HB 79 reduces school district property taxes by using surplus state revenue to lower the "state compression percentage" that affects local tax rates. It creates a fund from excess state revenue (90% of general revenue over budget growth limits) to decrease this percentage, potentially eliminating a school district's ability to levy tier one maintenance and operations taxes. When the compression percentage reaches zero, districts cannot impose these taxes and automatically receive full state funding as if they had the maximum allowable tax rate. The bill directly affects all Texas public school districts by altering how state funding offsets local property tax burdens.
HB 97 would reduce property taxes for Texas school districts by using surplus state revenue. It requires the state to lower the "compression percentage" (the formula determining how much local property taxes can be reduced) when funds are deposited into the property tax relief fund. If this percentage reaches zero, school districts cannot impose certain local maintenance taxes and will receive full state funding as if they had the maximum tax rate with no local share. This bill directly affects all Texas public school districts by changing how state funds are allocated to offset local property tax burdens.
HB 312 allows Texas municipalities and counties to seek voter approval for a supplemental local sales tax (up to 1%) to fund property tax relief and general government services. If approved by voters, the tax must be used specifically for reducing property tax rates and supporting local government operations. The bill establishes procedures requiring clear ballot language stating the tax's purpose and specifies that the tax rate won't count toward combined local tax rate limits. This legislation gives local governments a new tool to address budget needs through voter-approved revenue, while maintaining separation from existing sales tax structures.
HB 91 would reduce school district property tax rates by using surplus state revenue to lower the "state compression percentage" that determines how much districts can charge for maintenance and operations. It directs the comptroller to allocate surplus state revenue into a property tax relief fund, which the commissioner can then use to further reduce this percentage. If the percentage reaches zero, school districts would be prohibited from imposing the lowest tier of property taxes and would automatically qualify for full state funding as if they had the maximum allowable tax rate. This bill directly affects all Texas public school districts by potentially lowering their local tax burdens and changing their funding structure.
