Texas Property Tax Bills for 2027: What Lawmakers Filed on Day One

Last updated: Nov. 9, 2026

Texas lawmakers began filing bills for the 2027 legislative session on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, and property tax bills were among the first in. Early filings target how tax rate increases get approved, school bond elections, disabled veteran exemptions and a study of what would replace property taxes if they were abolished. None of them change your 2026 bill.

When does the 2027 Texas legislative session start?

Nov. 9, 2026 was the first day legislators and legislators-elect could file bills for the 90th Legislature, according to the Texas Legislative Council's dates of interest. The regular session convenes at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027, and bill filing continues through March 12, according to The Texas Tribune.

The Tribune reported about 150 bills were filed in the first 90 minutes. Democrats will control the Texas House and Republicans keep the Senate, so any property tax change will need support from both parties.

Which Texas property tax bills were filed for 2027?

These property tax bills appeared on the Texas Legislature Online "Today's Filed Bills" report on Nov. 9. Descriptions come from each bill's official caption.

• HB 207 (Rep. Isaac): Changes how certain tax rates are calculated and how a proposed rate above the voter-approval rate is approved.
• HB 238 (Rep. Olcott): Raises the voter-approval threshold for school district bond elections.
• HB 144 (Rep. Money): Calls for a study of alternative taxes to replace revenue local governments would lose if property taxes were abolished.
• HB 106 (Rep. Leo Wilson): Lets property held in a qualifying trust receive the disabled veteran exemption, including for surviving spouses and minor children.
• HB 142 (Rep. Plesa): Deals with how school district property tax information is shared with the public.
• HB 114: Updates definitions for the property tax exemption on farm products in the hands of the producer.
• SB 36 (Sen. Zaffirini): Addresses whether data centers can take part in certain state and local incentive programs.

Expect many more. Bill numbers and authors can be checked on Texas Legislature Online, which posts the full text and every action on each bill.

Does a filed bill change my property taxes?

No. A bill has to pass both chambers and be signed (or allowed to become law) before it does anything, and most filed bills never get there. Changes to the Texas Constitution, like eliminating school property taxes for homeowners, also need voter approval at a statewide election.

Your 2026 bill is already set by your 2026 appraised value, your exemptions and the rates your county, city, school district and other taxing units adopted this fall. Those bills are generally due by Monday, Feb. 1, 2027, since Jan. 31 falls on a Sunday.

What should Texas homeowners do while the Legislature debates?

• Check your exemptions now. Make sure your homestead and any over-65, disability or veteran exemptions are on your account with your appraisal district. See our Texas homestead exemption guide.
• Watch for your 2027 notice. Appraisal districts mail value notices in the spring. Lawmakers can change rates and exemptions, but only you can challenge your home's value.
• Plan your protest. The 2027 protest deadline is generally Monday, May 17, 2027 (May 15 is a Saturday), or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later.

You can protest on your own, or protest with TaxDrop. Here's how a Texas property tax consultant works, and you can find county details on our Texas property tax page.

Frequently asked questions

When did Texas lawmakers start filing bills for 2027?

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 was the first day legislators and legislators-elect could file bills for the 90th Legislature, according to the Texas Legislative Council. The session convenes at noon on Jan. 12, 2027, and bill filing runs through March 12, 2027.

Which property tax bills were filed on the first day?

Early filings on Texas Legislature Online included HB 207 (rate calculations and how a rate above the voter-approval rate gets approved), HB 238 (a higher voter-approval threshold for school bond elections), HB 144 (a study of replacement revenue if property taxes were abolished), HB 106 (disabled veteran exemptions for property held in a qualifying trust), HB 142 (school district tax information) and SB 36 (data center eligibility for state and local incentive programs).

Do these bills change my 2026 property tax bill?

No. A filed bill is a proposal, not a law. Your 2026 bill is based on 2026 values and rates already adopted. 2026 Texas property taxes are generally due by Monday, Feb. 1, 2027, because Jan. 31 falls on a Sunday.

Will Texas eliminate property taxes in 2027?

Nothing filed on day one would do that on its own. HB 144 only calls for a study of alternative taxes if property taxes were abolished. Eliminating school property taxes would also require a constitutional amendment approved by voters.

Can I still protest my appraisal while the Legislature debates property taxes?

Yes. Your right to protest your appraised value to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) does not depend on the Legislature. The 2027 protest deadline is generally Monday, May 17, 2027, because May 15 is a Saturday, or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later.

Sources: Texas Legislative Council, Dates of Interest; Texas Legislature Online, Today's Filed Bills, Nov. 9, 2026; The Texas Tribune, Nov. 9, 2026; Texas Comptroller, Property Tax.