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HB 282

Relating to the effect of a disaster on the calculation of the voter-approval tax rate for a taxing unit that is located in a large federally declared disaster area.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Trey Martinez Fischer

HB 282 adjusts voter-approved tax rate calculations for Texas taxing units in major federally declared disaster areas to provide fiscal flexibility during recovery.

Filed
#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #taxation--property-assessment&collection(i0798) #taxation--property-taxrate(i0794)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 282

Legislative bill overview

HB 282 modifies how Texas taxing units calculate voter-approved tax rates following major federally declared disasters. The bill appears to provide relief mechanisms for local governments in large disaster areas when determining their maximum allowable tax rates, potentially allowing temporary adjustments to property tax calculations that would normally be subject to voter approval thresholds.

Why is this important

After catastrophic disasters, property values and tax bases can fluctuate dramatically, creating fiscal challenges for local governments trying to maintain services. This bill addresses whether and how disaster-affected communities can adjust their tax rate calculations without immediately triggering the voter approval requirements that typically apply to tax increases, which could have significant implications for local government revenue during recovery periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax increase concerns: Critics may argue this allows governments to effectively raise taxes on disaster victims without explicit voter approval, while supporters counter it's necessary for maintaining essential services during recovery
  • Scope definition: Disagreement over what constitutes a "large" federally declared disaster and how broad the relief provisions should be across different types of taxing units
  • Temporary vs. permanent: Unclear whether rate adjustments are temporary emergency measures or could become permanent, affecting long-term tax burden on residents

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

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