April 28, 2025 — Austin, TX
The Texas Senate has overwhelmingly passed legislation aimed at providing substantial property tax relief for the state’s elderly and disabled homeowners. Senate Bill 23 (SB 23), authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt, seeks to increase the additional homestead exemption for these groups from $10,000 to $60,000 — a $50,000 jump that could significantly lower annual property tax bills.
The measure comes alongside Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), which raised the general homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all Texas homeowners. If both measures take full effect, elderly and disabled homeowners could enjoy a combined exemption of $200,000 off their home value for property tax purposes.
“This is real tax relief for Texans who need it the most — our seniors and those living with disabilities,” Bettencourt said during the Senate debate. “At an average savings of about $950 a year, this can make a critical difference for over 2 million Texans who are often living on fixed incomes.”
The legislation is paired with Senate Joint Resolution 85 (SJR 85), which proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the exemption increase. To take effect, it must also pass the Texas House and then win approval from voters in the November 2025 election.
While the bill received broad bipartisan support, some lawmakers noted that the relief would not extend to elderly or disabled renters, who also face rising housing costs. Bettencourt acknowledged those concerns but emphasized the Senate’s focus on homeowners within the state’s existing property tax structure.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Texas Legislature this session to ease the burden of soaring property taxes. Lawmakers argue that the state’s strong economy and record budget surpluses make this an ideal time to deliver relief.
If approved by voters later this year, the expanded exemptions could start saving eligible Texans money on their 2026 property tax bills.
More information about eligibility and the application process is expected to be released by local appraisal districts as the November election approaches.
