80R8565 SMH-D

By: Patrick, Dan S.J.R. No. 39

A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a local option election in Harris County to set a limitation of not less than three percent on the maximum average annual increase in the appraised value of residence homesteads for purposes of ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision in the county.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Subsection (i-1) to read as follows:

(i-1) Notwithstanding Subsections (a), (b), and (i) of this section, the Legislature may authorize the Commissioners Court of Harris County to call an election in the county to permit the voters to determine by majority vote whether to establish for purposes of ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision in the county a limitation on the maximum average annual percentage increase in the appraised value of residence homesteads in the political subdivision of not less than three percent. The ballot proposition shall specify the proposed percentage limitation on increases in appraised value. A limitation on increases in appraised value established under this subsection takes effect and expires in the manner provided by Subsection (i) of this section for a limitation enacted under that subsection. If the voters of the county establish a limitation on increases in appraised value under this subsection applicable to a tax year for which the Legislature has enacted a limitation under Subsection (i) of this section, the lower percentage limitation applies to ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision in the county. If the voters of the county establish a limitation on increases in appraised value under this subsection, the limitation remains in effect until amended or repealed by the voters of the county at a subsequent election called by the commissioners court of the county. An amendment or repeal of a limitation on increases in appraised value under this subsection may not take effect before January 1 of the tax year following the year in which the election at which the limitation is amended or repealed is held. The Legislature may provide for the effect of the establishment of a limitation on increases in appraised value under this subsection on a political subdivision with boundaries extending outside the county.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2007. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a local option election in Harris County to set a limitation of not less than three percent on the maximum average annual increase in the appraised value of residence homesteads for purposes of ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision in the county."