What this is
Texas bill that changes how farmers and land owners qualify for lower property tax rates on their land.
HB 289 changes how Texas values farmland and other special-use land for property taxes. The bill removes some old rules that made it harder for landowners to get lower tax rates. This helps people who farm, raise animals, or protect land keep more money.
One major change is about agricultural land. Owners can now qualify for special farm tax rates more easily. The bill also changes the rules for "qualified open-space land," which includes pastures and ranches. Instead of proving the land was used for farming for five of the last seven years, owners now just need to show the land is currently being used for agriculture or wildlife management.
Wildlife management gets a boost too. The bill says land used for protecting endangered species or for hunting and conservation can qualify for lower tax rates. Landowners no longer have to prove the land was previously taxed as a farm—they just need to show it is actively managed for wildlife now.
These changes take effect September 1, 2025. Landowners should check with their county tax assessor to see if their land qualifies for these new lower rates.
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The bill also changes the rules about what happens when someone changes how they use their land or sells it. The new law removes extra taxes in some situations where the old rules would have charged more. This gives landowners more flexibility without big tax penalties.
Key details
- Effective date: September 1, 2025
- Previous requirement period: Five of last seven years
- Sponsoring representative: Andy Hopper
- Bill number: HB 289
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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Why it matters
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How this affects households
Under $30,000
This policy won't help most families in this bracket since very few own farmland or large properties that qualify for these special tax rates.
$30,000-$60,000
Most families won't see any benefit since they don't own qualifying farmland or ranches. Only those who inherited family land might save on property taxes.
$60,000-$100,000
Some families who own small farms or inherited rural property could see lower property tax bills if their land qualifies under the easier rules.
Over $100,000
Families who own farms, ranches, or large rural properties will benefit most from these easier qualification rules and could save significantly on property taxes.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "HB 289: Changes to Texas Farm and Land Tax Rules" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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