Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed House Bill 9, Senate Bill 4, and Senate Bill 23 into law at a bill signing ceremony held at Robson Ranch Clubhouse, delivering what he described as “truly unprecedented” property tax relief for Texans.
“When I became Governor, the homestead exemption was $15,000,” Gov. Abbott told a crowd of more than 125 supporters and business leaders. “With Senate Bill 4, the homestead exemption is now $140,000, an almost 1,000% increase. Seniors’ homestead exemption now goes all the way up to $200,000.”
Gov. Abbott noted that this year’s legislative session dedicated $50 billion to property tax relief, a move he called historic.
“No state in American history has devoted such a large percentage of their budget to tax relief,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the state of Texas does not collect property taxes, only local governments do, and that these new laws aim to reduce the burden by using state funds to buy down local tax bills.
House Bill 9, authored by Rep. Morgan Meyer (R) and Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R), increases the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000. Senate Bill 4 raises the mandatory school district homestead exemption to $140,000, while Senate Bill 23 increases that exemption to $200,000 for individuals over 65 and those with disabilities.
“Texas has no income tax, no death tax, and no capital gains tax,” Abbott said. “And we’re not done yet.”
He vowed to continue pushing for limits on the ability of local governments to raise property taxes, framing today’s bill signings as part of a broader effort to protect taxpayers and ensure affordability.
The governor was joined by a large group of state and local officials, including Congressman Brandon Gill (R), Speaker Dustin Burrows (R), and Senators Paul Bettencourt (R), Brian Birdwell (R), and Royce West (D), among others. Their presence showcased the wide legislative support behind the tax relief package.
