AUSTIN (1080 KRLD) - Tuesday night the Texas House gave preliminary approval for Governor Abbott's priority property tax reform legislation setting up a showdown between the House and Senate over their differences.
After more than 7 hours of debate and votes on 48 amendments the Texas House passed their version of the Senate Property Tax relief bill SB 2.
The bill's House sponsor, State Rep Dustin Burrows actually said the bill won't cause property taxes to go down. "I've never said this was a property tax relief bill. This is a property tax reform bill. This is trying to get Texans to better understand where it is and how to get involved in the process."
The bill would not reduce current property tax bills. It's designed to slow the growth. SB2 limits the ability of cities and counties to raise property tax revenue more than 3.5%. Local governments would be forced to hold an election and get popular approval to raise property tax revenue more than 3.5% over the previous year. The amended Senate bill would hold school districts to a cap of 2% revenue growth.
Governor Abbott called the vote historical. In a statement he said, "For too long, Texans have watched their property taxes skyrocket while being reduced to tenants of their own property. That is not the Texas way." Abbott went on to thank House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dustin Burrows and Senate Committee on Property Tax Chairman Paul Bettencourt for leading the legislation through the two chambers.
Abbott remains confident the House and Senate will be able to work out their differences in the legislation in conference committee. "I look forward to working with Lt. Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen and the entire Legislature to deliver lasting property tax relief to every Texan."
