The Texas Senate convened on May 29, 2025, to discuss significant property tax relief measures and recognize a notable staff member. The session was marked by motions to concur with House amendments on two key pieces of legislation: Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 23.
Senator Bettencourt initiated the meeting by moving to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 4, which aims to provide substantial property tax relief. The House's amendment clarified provisions related to homestead exemptions, aligning them with previous regulations. This bill is projected to save homeowners approximately $5.7 billion annually, translating to nearly $14,000 in savings over 30 years for each homeowner.
Following this, Senator Bettencourt also moved to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 23. This bill similarly includes clarifications on homestead exemptions and is expected to benefit around 2 million homeowners aged 65 or older and those with disabilities, providing an average savings of $933 on their property tax bills.
Both motions received overwhelming support, with the Senate adopting the amendments without significant opposition.
In addition to the legislative discussions, Senator Miles took a moment to recognize D'Angelo Coulter, a graduate student and staff member who has contributed significantly to the office. Coulter, who has a background in political science and government, will be transitioning to a role in Washington, D.C., after the session, with plans to pursue a PhD in education.
The meeting concluded with a call for a press conference, highlighting the importance of the legislative actions taken and the contributions of staff members like Coulter. The Senate's focus on property tax relief reflects ongoing efforts to address financial burdens on Texas homeowners.