General Assembly, Confirmation of Appointment - Lynn Richardson, Ethics Commission -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Proposes an amendment to extend the redemption period for elderly homeowners after a property tax sale, delaying foreclosures and aiding seniors; requires voter approval.

Sponsor(s) Added.

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Overview

HJR 195 is a joint resolution introduced on March 13, 2025, that would amend the state constitution to extend the period in which an elderly person may redeem (buy back) their residence homestead after it has been sold at an ad valorem (property) tax sale. As a joint resolution, if approved by the legislature and voters, the amendment would become part of the state constitution.

Status: Left pending in committee

Introduced: March 13, 2025

Classification: Joint resolution

Primary subject areas: Aging; Property interests—Homestead; Resolutions—Constitutional Amendments; Taxation—Property assessment & collection

What the bill would do

The core aim is to lengthen the redemption window for the residence homestead of an elderly person following an ad valorem tax sale.

The exact eligibility criteria (e.g., the age threshold for “elderly,” and any other conditions) and the precise length of the extended redemption period would be defined in the constitutional amendment text itself. The summary provided does not include the detailed provisions.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Elderly homeowners whose homesteads have been sold for unpaid property taxes, who would have a longer period to redeem their property.

Local governments and taxing authorities: May experience delays in foreclosures and changes in cash flow timing due to an extended redemption period.

Real estate and tax professionals: Would operate under the revised redemption timelines and related requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Read first time: April 3, 2025

Referred to: Ways & Means (April 3, 2025)

Public hearing and committee actions: May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025: Considered in public hearing
May 5, 2025: Testimony taken/registrations recorded
May 5, 2025: Left pending in committee

Constitutional path: As a joint resolution, it would need approval by both houses and then ratification by voters in a statewide election to become part of the constitution.

Status note: Currently left pending in the committee, indicating no further committee action has occurred since the May 5, 2025 hearing.

Potential impacts and considerations

For elderly homeowners, the measure could reduce the risk of losing a home due to tax sales by providing more time to redeem.

For local governments, the longer redemption period could delay foreclosures and affect revenue timing, budgeting, and governmental services tied to property tax collections.

Since the measure would amend the constitution, it would require statewide voter approval to take effect.

Next steps

If the committee advances the bill, it would proceed through legislative process in the usual order (floor consideration, passage in both chambers).

If passed by the Legislature, the amendment would be placed on a statewide ballot for voter ratification. If approved by voters, the constitutional change would take effect according to the amendment’s provisions.

Bill