Proposed property tax cap bill draws concern from local entities

Controversy surrounding a bill that could limit governmental entities’ ability to raise property tax rates will continue as the Texas legislative special session begins this month.

Much of the consternation stems from Senate Bill (SB) 2, authored by State Sen. Paul Betancourt (R-Houston). The bill, which died before the end of the regular session in May, would require entities such as city, county governments and emergency service districts (ESDs) to hold an election if they plan to raise property tax rates by five percent.

However, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in June resurrected SB2 as one of 20 “sunset” items to be taken up during a special session, which is slated to begin Tuesday.