S.J.R. No. 85 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to increase the exemption amount from ad valorem taxation for the residence homesteads of elderly or disabled individuals. Currently, there is a $100,000 exemption for the market value of such properties for public school purposes, with an additional exemption of up to $60,000 for disabled individuals and those aged 65 and older. The amendment aims to provide the legislature with the authority to adjust these exemption amounts based on economic need and to establish eligibility criteria. It also clarifies that individuals can choose between exemptions if they qualify for both.

The proposed amendment includes a temporary provision that would take effect for the tax year beginning January 1, 2025, and would expire on January 1, 2027. The amendment is set to be submitted to voters in an election scheduled for November 4, 2025, allowing the public to vote on whether to authorize the legislature to increase the exemption amounts for elderly and disabled individuals. The resolution has already received unanimous support in both the Texas Senate and House.