House And Senate Finally Strike a Deal on ‘Largest Property Tax Cut in Texas History’

After two special sessions and more than a few proverbial shots fired from both chambers of the Texas Legislature, Republican lawmakers reached an agreement Monday to provide property tax relief.

The Texas Tribune broke the news Monday morning: 

The $18 billion compromise between the Texas House and Senate — which includes more than $5 billion approved for relief in 2021 — would give increased tax relief for the state’s 5.7 million homeowners and create a tax-credit pilot program for non-homesteaded properties. It would also cut taxes to small businesses and send billions of dollars to school districts so they can cut their tax rates across the board, according to details made public by state leaders Monday.

Texas Tribune

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he looks forward to signing the legislation, which still has to clear the House and the Senate. The agreement comes after a month of public debate between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan, who jointly issued a public statement about the compromise. 

Abbott, in a public statement Monday, reminded voters that he’d promised the state would return at least half of Texas’ largest-ever budget surplus to property taxpayers. 

“Today’s agreement between the House and the Senate is a step toward delivering on that promise,” he said. “I look forward to this legislation reaching my desk, so I can sign into law the largest property tax cut in Texas history.”

Dallas City Council Ad Hoc Committee

In response to the announcement from Texas lawmakers on Monday, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson swiftly appointed an ad hoc committee to “advocate fervently for the passage of this property tax relief bill, which could include providing public testimony at the Texas State Capitol.”

The Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Affairs will be chaired by District 12 Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn, who already has enthusiastically accepted the charge.

“I speak about responsible spending and taxation often at council meetings,” she said. “On behalf of Dallas residents, I am happy to advocate the biggest tax relief bill in Texas history.”

Committee members include Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, District 3 Councilman Zarin Gracey, District 6 Councilman Omar Narvaez, and District 10 Councilwoman Kathy Stewart.