HOUSTON — Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday unveiled a new property tax relief proposal designed to make homeownership more affordable across the state, including for families in the Houston area.
The plan builds on the $51 billion tax relief package passed during last year’s legislative session and focuses on eliminating school property taxes for homeowners, a move Abbott says could save Texans significant money.
The proposal centers on a five-point plan to limit property tax growth and give voters more control over increases:
- Limit local government spending growth to population growth plus inflation, or 3.5%, whichever is lower.
- Require two-thirds voter approval for property tax increases.
- Allow voters to petition to place property tax rollbacks on the ballot.
- Appraise properties once every five years instead of more frequently.
- Lower the homestead appraisal cap to 3% for all properties.
Abbott called on lawmakers from both parties to support the measure, stating, “I defy any Democrat or any Republican to come out against my law that will slash property taxes and look their fellow Texans in the eye and say they are not going to adopt Abbott’s plan to reduce and slash property taxes in Texas.”
The governor emphasized that this plan is part of a continued effort to reduce property tax burdens following last year’s major relief package, aiming to provide long-term financial relief for Texas homeowners.