Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is tackling one of the most complicated issues in government: How to provide property tax relief and still provide services to Texas residents.
His new plan, announced Sunday, during his reelection campaign kickoff in Houston, largely tries to curb the ability of local jurisdictions to raise property taxes without support from local taxpayers.
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Much of his proposal requires a constitutional amendment. Property tax relief will be one of his top priorities during the next legislative session.
This year the Legislature allocated $51 billion for property tax relief, which Abbott says were offset by local tax policy.
Political Points
Here’s a look at his six-point plan.
Gov. Greg Abbott announces his re-election campaign for Texas governor in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Abbott is seeking a historic fourth term, which would position him to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history, surpassing the 14 years served by Rick Perry.
Jason Fochtman / Houston Chronicle
Under the plan, Texas would limit local spending growth to formula based on population and inflation or a flat 3.5%, whichever is less. The plan also says that other state spending measures like the debt limit and the ban on deficit spending should be applied at all levels of government.
Abbott’s agenda would give Texas voters the opportunity to vote on all local property tax increases, requiring a two-thirds majority for them to pass.
Voters also would have the opportunity to vote to roll back existing property taxes if 15% of registered voters in a local area signed a petition to put the measure on the ballot. Abbott’s plan said this proposal would allow for reductions in taxes for “all property owners” and that it would help constrain “the growth and spending of local governments.”
Supporters go through security ahead of a rally for Gov. Greg Abbott in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Jason Fochtman / Houston Chronicle
Real estate appraisals in Texas would be limited to once every five years, eliminating what Abbott calls “surprises” in the current system. His plan says “Texans should not be troubled with appraisal protests year after year,” and that his measure would limit local governments’ ability to increase revenue based on rising property values.
FILE – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Alex Brandon / AP
The plan would also limit the growth of homestead appraisals to 3%, down from the current 10%. The plan would also expand the cap to apply to all properties, including rental properties and businesses.
Finally, the plan would give voters the chance to decide through a constitutional amendment whether to eliminate school district property taxes for all homeowners. School district taxes make up the largest portion of property tax bills. Abbott’s plan summary does not go into detail about how schools would be funded if the property tax were eliminated by voters.