In 1995, the Legislature passed the Texas Real Private Property Rights Preservation Act (RPPRPA), providing compensation to property owners for loss of value due to new regulations on land use. Authors sought a method of protection and a deterrent against local government regulations that would damage the value of someone’s property. Unfortunately, the act exempts municipalities. Since cities, due to re-zoning activities, are the largest condemnors, this exemption practically renders the act ineffective.
Eliminating the School M&O Property Tax
Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. In 2014, the Tax Foundation reported that Texas had the sixth highest effective property tax rate. In 2016, more than 5,100 local tax jurisdictions levied $56.1 billion in property taxes, or $2,000 on average for every Texan—man, woman, and child. And property taxes continue...