This November 2025, Texans will vote on several constitutional amendments that could change how property taxes are applied across the state. From relief for veterans’ families and fire victims to exemptions for seniors, homeowners, and border property owners, these measures reflect ongoing efforts to make the Texas property tax system more equitable.
Here’s what each proposal means — and how it could impact your property tax bill.
Proposition 7 (HJR 133): Property Tax Exemption for Veterans’ Surviving Spouses
Ballot language:
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.”
What it means:
Proposition 7 would allow the Legislature to grant full property tax exemptions to un-remarried surviving spousesof veterans who died from service-related causes.
The change aligns Texas law with updated federal veterans’ benefits for those exposed to toxic substances. Eligible spouses would owe no property taxes on their homestead as long as they remain unmarried. The state would reimburse local school districts for lost revenue, with an estimated 3,000 Texans expected to benefit.
📘 Learn more from the Texas Legislature Online – HJR 133 Bill Text
Proposition 10 (SJR 84): Temporary Tax Relief for Homes Destroyed by Fire
Ballot language:
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.”
What it means:
This amendment would allow homeowners whose homes were completely destroyed by fire to receive a temporary property tax exemption while rebuilding.
To qualify, the home must have been uninhabitable for at least 30 days after the fire. Homeowners could apply for an adjusted tax bill for that tax year, preventing them from paying taxes on a home that no longer exists.
The fiscal impact to the state is expected to be minimal, according to the Legislative Budget Board.
📘 Bill details: SJR 84 – Texas Legislature Online
📄 See also: Texas Comptroller – Disaster Exemptions & Reappraisal
Proposition 11 (SJR 85): Increased School Tax Exemption for Elderly or Disabled Homeowners
Ballot language:
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.”
What it means:
Proposition 11 would raise the school property tax homestead exemption for elderly or disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000.
Combined with the general homestead exemption under Proposition 13, qualifying Texans could receive up to $200,000 in total exemptions.
The change would reduce school district revenue by an estimated $1.2 billion over two years, which the state would cover.
📘 Bill details: SJR 85 – Texas Legislature Online
🏠 Eligibility guidance: Texas Comptroller – Age 65 & Older or Disabled Exemption
Proposition 13 (SJR 2): Increased School Tax Exemption for All Homeowners
Ballot language:
“The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.”
What it means:
Proposition 13 would raise the general school homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, reducing how much of a home’s value can be taxed for public schools.
For a typical Texas home valued at $302,000, the increased exemption could save about $800 per year on school taxes.
The measure would cost the state approximately $2.7 billion for the 2026–2027 budget cycle, with more than $1 billion annually thereafter.
📘 Bill details: SJR 2 – Texas Legislature Online
🏠 Learn about homestead exemptions: Texas Comptroller – Residence Homestead Exemption
Proposition 17 (HJR 34): Property Tax Exemption for Border Security Infrastructure
Ballot language:
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.”
What it means:
Proposition 17 would allow the state to exclude property value increases caused by border security infrastructure—such as fencing, barriers, or surveillance systems—installed on private land in counties that border Mexico.
The goal is to ensure property owners in border regions aren’t taxed more because of state-installed infrastructure.
The state’s cost is expected to be minor, though local governments may need to adjust tax rates to offset lost revenue.
📘 Bill details: HJR 34 – Texas Legislature Online
What Homeowners Should Know
- Proposition 7: Supports veterans’ surviving spouses with full homestead exemptions.
- Proposition 10: Provides temporary relief for homeowners rebuilding after a fire.
- Proposition 11: Expands school tax exemptions for elderly or disabled Texans.
- Proposition 13: Raises the general homestead exemption for all homeowners.
- Proposition 17: Prevents tax increases from border security infrastructure.
- All measures require voter approval and legislative implementation.
- Eligible homeowners must apply through their county appraisal district once enacted.
🔗 Find your local appraisal district: Texas Comptroller – County Directory
🗳️ Voting Details
- Early voting begins: October 21, 2025
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
- Voter resources:
Home Tax Shield will continue to share updates to help Texans understand how these propositions could affect their property tax savings and exemption eligibility.