FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 9, 2025 Appraisal cap made little impact on taxpayers Cap on some property appraisals helped feed higher tax rates. (AUSTIN) — A state limit on the appraised values of some Texas properties led to higher county tax rates and higher countywide property tax levies in 2024, according to a new study….

Republican state Rep. Jay Dean of Longview recently proposed a bill to replace school maintenance and operations property taxes with a value-added tax. The news might sound like music to the ears of Texas property owners, who have vociferously spoken against property taxes as their tax bills have continued to climb.

Lawmakers on a key Texas Senate panel Friday advanced a proposal to put a tighter limit on how much more cities and counties can collect in property taxes each year without asking voters.

Local government property tax rates are split into two distinct portions: one for maintenance and operations, and one for interest and sinking, or debt service on bonds used for specific projects. Operations revenue isn’t meant to repay debt, and vice versa, which Bettencourt said prompted his legislation.

House Bill 9, authored by Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would expand the exemption for tangible personal property from $2,500 to $250,000 of the appraised value. Personal property includes equipment, furniture and vehicles.