December 7, 2023

In This Issue:

  • Lawsuits Challenging Results of November's Constitutional Amendment Election Threaten Implementation of Property Tax Relief Measures, Including Increase in Homestead Exemption
  • Texas Legislature: 4th Special Session Ends

Lawsuits Challenging Results of November's Constitutional Amendment Election Threaten Implementation of Property Tax Relief Measures, Including Increase in Homestead Exemption

TLTA | Dec. 7 2023
Several lawsuits were filed challenging the validity of the constitutional amendment election held in November. While many observers doubt the merit of the suits, under state law a constitutional amendment election cannot be finalized until litigation is resolved. This development threatens implementation of all the propositions approved by Texans, including Prop 4, the property tax relief measure that increases the homestead exemption, establishes an appraisal cap system on certain properties, and implements other changes to the administration of property taxes in Texas.
 
Legislators attempted to expedite resolution of the lawsuits with Senate Bill 6, which was filed during the recently concluded 4th Special Session, but the special session ended without final passage of that bill. Earlier this week, Gov. Abbott issued a proclamation declaring the election results valid. Learn more about the Governor's proclamation and actions by the state to address these challenges here. 
 
Our TLTA advocacy team continues to monitor the state's response to the lawsuits, and we will update you as this situation develops.

Texas Legislature: 4th Special Session Ends

TLTA | Dec. 7, 2023
The 4th Called Session of the 88th Texas Legislature concluded on Tuesday. Border security legislation, SB 3 and SB 4, were the only bills passed during the special session.
 
The special session's highest profile issues, public school funding and vouchers, were not resolved by lawmakers, and we are waiting to hear if and when the Governor might call them back for another special session. 

The foreign ownership of property bills that were filed in both the regular legislative session and the four special sessions did not pass. TLTA’s legislative team was active in monitoring all bills that could have affected our industry and will continue to do so if additional special sessions are called.