Texas $1,500 Check 2027: What SB 297 Means for Homeowners

Last updated: Nov. 11, 2026

A bill filed for the 2027 Texas legislative session would send a one-time $1,500 payment to every qualified Texas household. Senate Bill 297 was filed Nov. 9, 2026 and would pay for it with $17 billion from the state's rainy day fund. It is not law yet, and it is not a property tax cut: it would not change your appraised value, exemptions or tax rate.

What is the Texas $1,500 check bill (SB 297)?

SB 297, by Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio, would create a one-time "emergency household economic relief payment." Under the introduced bill text, the Texas Comptroller would make a single $1,500 payment to each qualified household, with no more than one payment per household no matter how many people live there.

The bill appropriates $17 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund, the state's rainy day fund, for the payments and their administration. It carries out a campaign pledge by Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa, according to The Texas Tribune.

Who would qualify for the $1,500 payment?

The introduced bill defines a qualified household as one whose usual place of residence is in Texas on Jan. 1, 2027, represented by a person who is at least 18 on that date (or an emancipated minor), and that meets the Comptroller's verification rules.

The bill says eligibility may not be conditioned on income, homeownership, property-tax liability, employment, public benefits, or whether anyone filed an income tax return. That means homeowners and renters would be treated the same.

The Tribune reports that residents could apply and prove eligibility with documents like a lease or utility bill, and that the bill doesn't say whether recipients must be U.S. citizens.

When would Texas send the checks?

If it became law, the bill tells the Comptroller to start paying as soon as practicable and make reasonable efforts to pay verified households by Dec. 31, 2027. Applications could be submitted until Dec. 31, 2028.

The 90th Legislature convenes Jan. 12, 2027, according to the Texas Legislative Council. The bill takes effect immediately only with a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house; otherwise it would take effect Sept. 1, 2027.

Is the $1,500 check a property tax rebate?

No. SB 297 doesn't touch the Texas Tax Code rules that set your bill. Your property taxes are still your appraisal district's value as of Jan. 1, minus any exemptions, times the rates your school district, county, city and other local units adopt. A homeowner with a $3,000 bill and one with a $15,000 bill would get the same single payment.

Property tax relief is a separate debate this session. See our coverage of Hinojosa's property tax plan and the property tax bills filed for 2027.

What are the odds SB 297 passes?

Spending rainy day fund money takes a two-thirds vote of members present in each chamber, the Tribune reports, and the fund holds more than $27 billion. Democrats control the House but would still need Republican votes there, and would need to win over nine Republicans in the GOP-led Senate.

The Tribune also notes the $17 billion, with up to 1% set aside for administration, may come up at least $400 million short of covering all of the state's roughly 11.6 million households.

What should Texas homeowners do now?

Keep your property tax plan on its normal track. Because Jan. 31, 2027 falls on a Sunday, 2026 property taxes can generally be paid without penalty through Monday, Feb. 1, 2027 (Tax Code Section 31.02 and Section 1.06; check your county tax office). Make sure your homestead exemption is on file with your appraisal district.

Your 2027 value is set as of Jan. 1, 2027, and a $1,500 payment would not change it. The 2027 protest deadline is generally Monday, May 17, 2027, because May 15 is a Saturday, or 30 days after your appraisal notice is delivered, whichever is later (Tax Code Section 41.44). A protest is heard by your county's Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Here's how a Texas property tax consultant fits into that process.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Texas $1,500 check bill?

Senate Bill 297, filed Nov. 9, 2026 by Sen. Roland Gutierrez for the 2027 legislative session, would have the Texas Comptroller make one $1,500 payment to each qualified Texas household, paid from the state's Economic Stabilization Fund (rainy day fund).

Who would qualify for the $1,500 Texas check?

Under the introduced bill, a qualified household is one whose usual residence is in Texas on Jan. 1, 2027, represented by someone at least 18 (or an emancipated minor), that meets the Comptroller's verification rules. Eligibility can't be conditioned on income, homeownership, property-tax liability, employment or public benefits.

When would Texas send the $1,500 payments?

If SB 297 became law, the bill directs the Comptroller to make reasonable efforts to pay verified households by Dec. 31, 2027, and to accept applications through Dec. 31, 2028.

Is the $1,500 check a property tax rebate?

No. The bill doesn't change appraised values, exemptions or tax rates, and homeowners and renters would get the same single payment per household. Your property tax bill is still set by your appraisal district's value and your local tax rates.

Has the $1,500 check bill passed?

No. SB 297 is a filed bill for the session that starts Jan. 12, 2027. Spending rainy day fund money requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber, and the bill only takes effect immediately with a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house; otherwise it would take effect Sept. 1, 2027.

Do I still need to pay my 2026 property tax bill?

Yes. Nothing in SB 297 changes your 2026 bill. Because Jan. 31, 2027 falls on a Sunday, 2026 Texas property taxes can generally be paid without penalty through Monday, Feb. 1, 2027. Check your county tax office for your exact due date.

Sources: Texas Legislature Online, SB 297 (90th Legislature); SB 297 introduced text; The Texas Tribune, Nov. 10, 2026; Texas Legislative Council, Dates of Interest; Texas Tax Code Section 31.02; Section 1.06; Section 41.44.