"Property taxes have long hindered Texans' ability to achieve their dreams," Swanson said in a statement. "The Texas Property Freedom Act will be a major step forward in ensuring that all Texans have the opportunity to achieve that dream."According to the text of HB 1050, property taxes—or ad valorem taxes—place a disproportionate burden on residents who own property and are an inequitable way to fund public services, most notably public schools. As a result, the bill seeks to eliminate property taxes across the state, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
According to a statement, the bill—if approved by the 85th Legislature—allows five years for future legislatures to determine an alternative funding method to property tax. Repealing Texas' property tax is among the Republican Party of Texas' top five legislative priorities, the statement said. Other area lawmakers—including State Rep. Cecil Bell Jr., R-Mangolia and Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston—have also filed bills this session calling for limits and changes to the property tax code.
"The right to keep one's property is a foundational principle to our way of life," Swanson said. "Texans should never have to fear the loss of their property due to constantly rising property taxes. Texans should not be forced to rent their property from the government after years of working to purchase it."
Swanson's other bills so far this session relate to prohibiting elective abortions, including a civics test as a high school graduation requirement and limiting annual tuition increases for higher education.
