School Property Taxes in Texas: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has shared a bold new plan that could change property taxes across the state. His idea focuses on cutting school property taxes and maybe even removing them completely. Abbott says this move would help homeowners who struggle with high tax bills while still keeping money flowing to public schools.
Abbott called the proposal a “historic opportunity” and said Texans need relief from high property taxes. He argues that property taxes have grown too fast and families now pay much more than before. According to him this system hurts people because their incomes do not rise as fast as their tax bills.
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The governor wants the state to step in more. His plan would limit how much property values can rise each year. It would also put strong limits on how much local governments can spend. Abbott believes these steps can control tax growth and protect homeowners.
How the Plan Would Work?
Under Abbott’s proposal the state would help pay school districts directly. This would reduce the need for schools to collect money from local property taxes. In some cases school property taxes could drop sharply or disappear. Abbott says voters could approve these changes through constitutional amendments during the 2026 election.
Abbott often says Texans face an “out-of-control property tax system.” He believes strict rules on spending and appraisals will bring long-term relief. Supporters say homeowners could see lower bills quickly and have more money to spend which could help the economy.
Concerns About School Funding
Not everyone feels confident about the plan. Experts warn that removing school property taxes is very hard. Right now local property taxes provide more than half of the money used by Texas public schools. This money pays for teachers classrooms and school buildings.
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Critics fear schools may suffer if the state cannot fully replace that money. John Sharp a former Texas comptroller warned about the risk. He said “The challenge is balancing property tax relief with maintaining the quality of education,” and added “Without a careful approach, districts could face cuts that affect students directly.”
Some leaders also worry about losing local control. School boards and city officials may not like limits on their spending power. Lawmakers must also agree and voters must approve the changes for the plan to happen.
