in part, by asking voters to raise the homestead exemption for property tax owners.The reductions would provide relief to all Texans, though increases to the homestead exemption would only benefit those who own their homesThe bills would raise the homestead exemption on school taxes from $40,000 to $70,000 for all who qualify. Homeowners ages 65 and older as well as those who are disabled would see additional exemptions jump from $10,000 to $30,000.
Republicans promised meaningful property tax reduction, so don’t be surprised if lawmakers run out of time and Gov. Greg Abbott calls a special session on the issue. A sticking point could be the narrowness of the plan developed by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. Current home-schoolers and families whose children are already enrolled in private schools; only students who spent this school year enrolled in public school or are just beginning their education.
The best selling point supporters can make to uneasy lawmakers is that the bill doesn’t do a lot to change the status quo, because $8,000 is not a great amount of money to attend private schools. But it’s something on which to build, so expect expanding school choice to be an issue for upcoming legislative sessions.that bills to allow voters to decide on the legalization of casino gambling and sports betting are long shots in the Legislature.