82R374 SMH-D
 
  By: Bonnen H.J.R. No. 117
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the eligibility of
  property to continue to receive a residence homestead exemption
  from ad valorem taxation for not more than three years after the
  property ceases to be the owner's principal residence if the
  property is being offered for sale.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 1-b, Article VIII, Texas Constitution,
  is amended by adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:
         (j)  The legislature by general law may provide for the owner
  of a qualified residential structure and the land and improvements
  used in the residential occupancy of the structure for which the
  owner receives an exemption under this section to continue to
  receive the exemption for not more than three years after the owner
  ceases to occupy the structure as the owner's residence homestead
  regardless of whether the owner establishes a different principal
  residence for which the owner receives an exemption under this
  section if the structure for which the owner received the exemption
  is not occupied by or leased to any person, is being actively
  offered for sale, and is not used for any business or commercial
  purpose. If the property is subject to a limitation provided by law
  under Subsection (d) or (h) of this section when the owner ceases to
  occupy the structure as the owner's residence homestead, the
  legislature may provide that the limitation continues in effect so
  long as the residence homestead exemption continues in effect under
  this subsection regardless of whether the owner establishes a
  different principal residence for which the owner receives an
  exemption under this section and regardless of whether all or a
  proportionate amount of the limitation is transferred to that
  residence.
         SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2011.
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition: "The constitutional amendment relating to the
  eligibility of property to continue to receive a residence
  homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for not more than
  three years after the property ceases to be the owner's principal
  residence if the property is being offered for sale."