Texas property taxes

Texas has spent billions of dollars to drive down property taxes. Many homeowners saw a significant tax cut last year, per a Texas Tribune analysis.

Senate Bill 6 was filed by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, in an effort to skirt a handful of lawsuits that could delay the implementation of changes approved by Texas voters in last month’s constitutional amendment election.

The law came after months of negotiations between the House and the Senate over two special sessions.

House Democrats attempted to insert benefits for renters and more money for public education into the tax-cuts package in a series of floor amendments but were unsuccessful.

The deal would channel $12 billion to reduce the school property tax rate for homeowners and business properties, increase the homestead exemption, and create a pilot program to reduce taxes on certain residential and commercial properties. The legislation is expected to pass later this week.

The proposal would give renters a cash rebate of up to 10% on rent paid in the last tax year.

Despite the Senate moving its plan forward Wednesday, the measure seems destined for deadlock. A Texas House panel also passed its proposal to cut property taxes — which is significantly different from the Senate’s.

The second special session will focus solely on cutting property taxes.

Phelan announced the formation of a House committee that could set the tone in favor of vouchers ahead of an expected special session on education. The move comes weeks after Abbott sided with Phelan on a plan to lower property taxes.

Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick usually agree on policy. But not this time.