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Bill

HJR 64

Proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish ad valorem taxes.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brian Harrison

Proposes constitutional amendment to eliminate Texas property taxes, affecting $60+ billion in local government revenue with no specified replacement funding mechanism.

Referred to Ways & Means
#politicalsubdivisions(i0588) #propertyinterests--personalproperty(i0600) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #taxation--property-miscellaneous(i0797) #taxation--schooldistrict(i0785)
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Bill Summary · HJR 64

Legislative bill overview

HJR 64 proposes a constitutional amendment that would eliminate ad valorem (property) taxes in Texas. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this amendment would remove the constitutional authority for local governments to levy property taxes, fundamentally restructuring how schools, counties, cities, and special districts are funded.

Why is this important

Property taxes currently generate approximately $60+ billion annually in Texas and fund essential services including K-12 education, county operations, municipal services, and emergency services. Abolishing this revenue source without identifying replacement funding would create an immediate fiscal crisis for local governments and could severely impact service delivery statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Replacement funding mechanism: The bill does not specify how the estimated $60+ billion in lost annual revenue would be replaced, creating uncertainty about government service viability
  • Education funding impact: Since property taxes fund a substantial portion of school operations, elimination could force significant cuts to education or require major state funding increases
  • Local control vs. state authority: Removing property tax authority shifts fiscal power from local communities to the state, reducing local autonomy in setting budgets and priorities
  • Implementation timeline: No transition period is outlined, potentially creating immediate fiscal collapse at the local level

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

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