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HJR 33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the property tax reduction fund and dedicating certain surplus state revenue to the fund.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Cody Vasut

Texas constitutional amendment creating a property tax reduction fund and dedicating surplus state revenues to it, subject to voter approval.

Filed
#comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #education--primary&secondary--finance(i0250) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #statefinances--appropriations(i0746) #taxation--property-appraisals&appraisaldistricts(i0792) #taxation--property-exemptions(i0793) #taxation--sales(i0800) #taxation--schooldistrict(i0785)
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Bill Summary · HJR 33

Legislative bill overview

HJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment that would create a dedicated "property tax reduction fund" in Texas and direct certain surplus state revenues into it. The amendment would require voter approval and, if passed, would constitutionally mandate that specified surplus revenues be used specifically for property tax reduction rather than general state spending.

Why is this important

Property taxes are a major revenue source for Texas schools and local governments, and high property tax rates are a persistent political concern for homeowners. This amendment would establish a constitutional mechanism to use state budget surpluses for tax relief, potentially reducing the burden on property owners but also limiting state flexibility in allocating surplus funds to other priorities like education, healthcare, or infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue dedication restrictions: Locking surplus revenues into property tax reduction through constitutional amendment limits the Legislature's ability to address other pressing state needs during budget surpluses
  • Beneficiary inequality: Property tax relief primarily benefits property owners; renters and those without property would not directly benefit, raising equity concerns
  • Long-term budgeting: Constitutional dedications can create inflexible spending patterns that don't adapt to changing state priorities or economic conditions
  • Implementation details: The bill doesn't specify which surplus revenues qualify or how the fund would be distributed among different taxing entities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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