May 7 City Council, School Board Elections, Come With A Surprise – State Constitutional Amendment Propositions

posted on 4.11.2022

It may come as an eye-opener to some, but there are two proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution up for a vote on May 7.

That’s the upcoming uniform election day generally used just for city council and school board elections.

Constitutional amendment propositions typically use the November general election date following the regular session of the Texas Legislature.

Texas voters, for example, approved eight constitutional amendment propositions in November of 2021.

The two new propositions, both authored by St. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, were approved by the Texas Legislature in special sessions in the late summer and early fall.

Each of them seeks to reduce Texas property owners’ school property tax burden in some way.

Stations can review the full text of each proposition at the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Proposition One, created by SJR 2 in the second special session, would decrease homestead residence property taxes for elderly and disabled Texans by reducing the tax amount paid for public schools.

Typically, this is the largest portion of a homeowner’s tax bill.

Proposition Two, created by SJR 2 in the third special session, would increase the amount of the residence homestead exemption from public school property taxes, from $25,000 to $40,000.

In both cases, the state would cover the reduced revenue for Texas school districts.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.
 

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