Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced his reelection campaign. As part of the announcement, Abbott unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform the state’s property tax system, Empowering Texas Taxpayers.
The initiative aims to build on past legislative efforts to address rising property tax bills in Texas and set the next legislative priorities for the 2027 Texas Legislature session.
Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), expressed support for the governor’s proposal. “Even with the progress made by previous legislatures to provide tax relief, property taxes continue to be a major burden for Texas families,” Sindelar said. He emphasized that high tax bills remain a significant concern among Texans and highlighted TPPF’s commitment to collaborating with state leaders on this issue.
Abbott’s agenda includes six specific policy recommendations. He proposes limits on how much local governments can increase spending each year, requiring two-thirds voter approval for tax increases, and allowing taxpayers to rollback tax increases through petitions.
On the appraisal side, Abbott’s plan would require that all properties be appraised only once every 5 years and it would lower the appraisal cap from 10% to 3% and apply that appraisal cap to all properties.
Finally, Abbott would ask Texans to vote on a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate school property taxes entirely. School district property taxes are the largest portion of property tax bills. However, Abbott’s plan does not include an alternative source of revenue if voters approved the amendment.
James Quintero from TPPF said that Abbott’s plan puts the focus in the proper place – on local governments.
“In the present crisis, local governments are to blame. These ~5,000 entities determine tax rates, spending levels, and bonded indebtedness – and the fruit of their decision-making has been soaring tax bills,” said Quintero.