By Shields                                      H.J.R. No. 84

      75R58 JD-D                           

                                 A JOINT RESOLUTION

 1-1     proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the appraisal of

 1-2     real property for ad valorem taxation.

 1-3           BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

 1-4           SECTION 1.  Section 1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, is

 1-5     amended by adding Subsections (i) and (j) to read as follows:

 1-6           (i)  Notwithstanding Subsections (a) and (b) of this section,

 1-7     the maximum annual increase that may be recognized in the appraised

 1-8     value of real property for ad valorem taxation is the sum of:

 1-9                 (1)  three percent of the appraised value of the

1-10     property for taxation for the preceding year; and

1-11                 (2)  the market value of all new improvements to the

1-12     property.

1-13           (j)  In Subsection (i) of this section, "new improvement"

1-14     means an improvement to real property that is made after the

1-15     appraisal of the property for the preceding year and that increases

1-16     the market value of the property.  The term does not include

1-17     ordinary maintenance of an existing structure or the grounds or

1-18     another feature of the property.

1-19           SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be

1-20     submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 1997.

1-21     The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the

1-22     proposition:  "The constitutional amendment to limit increases in

1-23     the appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes."