Texas Governor Unveils Property Tax Reform Plan, Seeks GOP Pledge

Abbott's proposal aims to limit local spending growth and give voters more control over tax increases.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled a five-point plan to overhaul the state's property tax system, including measures to cap local government spending growth, require two-thirds voter approval for tax increases, and potentially eliminate school district property taxes. Abbott is urging Republican lawmakers to publicly pledge their support for the proposal as the Legislature prepares to debate property tax reform next year.

Why it matters

Property taxes have long been a major concern for Texas homeowners, with many feeling burdened by rising costs. Abbott's plan aims to provide significant relief by limiting the ability of local governments to raise taxes and giving voters more control. However, some aspects like eliminating school property taxes would require a constitutional amendment, meaning bipartisan support may be needed.

The details

Key elements of Abbott's proposal include: 1) Capping local government spending growth at population growth plus inflation or 3.5%, whichever is lower; 2) Requiring two-thirds voter approval for any property tax increase; 3) Allowing taxpayers to trigger rollback elections if 15% of registered voters sign a petition; 4) Moving to five-year appraisal cycles and reducing the homestead appraisal cap from 10% to 3%; and 5) Potentially eliminating school district property taxes through a constitutional amendment.

  • Abbott unveiled the proposal during a press event in Manor on March 13, 2026.
  • The Texas Legislature is expected to debate property tax reform next year.

The players

Greg Abbott

The current Governor of Texas who has proposed a major property tax reform plan.

Dan Patrick

The Lieutenant Governor of Texas who has promoted a more incremental approach to property tax relief focused on expanding homestead exemptions and limiting spending growth.

Jeff Barry

A Republican member of the Texas House who has not yet signed Abbott's pledge supporting the property tax reform plan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Exactly zero Texans have come up to me and said, 'Governor, I'm perfectly happy with my property tax bill,' because no one is.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

“We have great momentum. We're adding more House members every day.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

What’s next

The Texas Legislature is expected to debate Abbott's property tax reform proposal when it convenes next year. The governor is continuing to urge Republican lawmakers to sign a pledge supporting the plan, though some GOP members have not yet committed.

The takeaway

Governor Abbott's property tax reform plan aims to provide significant relief to Texas homeowners by limiting local government spending growth and giving voters more control over tax increases. However, the proposal faces potential hurdles, including the need for bipartisan support to pass a constitutional amendment to eliminate school district property taxes.