HJR 1 / HB 9Small BusinessEffective

Business Personal Property Tax Exemption Increase

Rep. Morgan Meyer / Sen. Paul Bettencourt 89th Legislature (2025) Effective: January 1, 2026 (pending voter approval of HJR 1)

Plain Language Summary

This is a major win for small business owners. If you own business equipment, inventory, or furniture worth less than $125,000, you will no longer owe personal property taxes on it. This saves most small businesses hundreds to thousands of dollars per year.

DFW Black Community Impact

This is one of the most impactful laws for DFW Black-owned small businesses in years. The vast majority of Black-owned businesses in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding cities operate with equipment and inventory well under $125,000. This exemption directly reduces their annual tax burden and frees capital for reinvestment and growth.

Official Bill Summary

Increases the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 — a nearly 5,000% increase. Requires voter approval of the constitutional amendment (HJR 1). Signed into law alongside HB 346, HB 2464, and HB 5195 as part of the small business relief package.

Legislative Timeline

Filed
In Committee
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed
EffectiveCurrent

Bill Details

Bill NumberHJR 1 / HB 9
CategorySmall Business
StatusEffective
AuthorRep. Morgan Meyer / Sen. Paul Bettencourt
Session89th Legislature (2025)
EffectiveJanuary 1, 2026 (pending voter approval of HJR 1)
RelatedHB 346, HB 2464