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SB 2528

Relating to the calculation of the petition election tax rate for certain taxing units and the ability of the voters to petition for an election to determine whether to reduce the ad valorem tax rate adopted by those taxing units to the petition election tax rate.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt

Modifies Texas tax rate calculation methods to alter when voters can petition for elections to reduce local property tax rates adopted by taxing units.

Referred to Local Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2528

Legislative bill overview

SB 2528 modifies how Texas taxing units calculate the "petition election tax rate"—the rate that voters can petition to reduce property taxes toward through a referendum election. The bill alters the methodology for determining this baseline rate, which affects when and how voters can trigger tax reduction elections for local government entities.

Why is this important

Property tax rates directly impact homeowners, businesses, and renters through their tax bills. By changing how the petition threshold is calculated, this bill could make it either easier or harder for citizens to force a public vote on reducing local property taxes. The outcome affects the balance of power between elected officials' taxing authority and voters' ability to constrain it.

Potential points of contention

  • Voter empowerment vs. government fiscal stability: Lowering petition thresholds empowers voters but may limit taxing units' revenue predictability and ability to fund services; raising thresholds does the opposite
  • Technical complexity: Changes to tax rate calculations can be opaque to average taxpayers, making it unclear whether the bill genuinely expands or restricts voting opportunities
  • Unequal impacts across districts: Different taxing units may be affected differently depending on their size, tax base composition, and current rates

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

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