The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) supports House Bill 361, which limits the appraisal of a homesteaded property for tax purposes to comparisons only with other homesteaded properties in the same neighborhood. This reform protects homeowners from inflated appraisals and unjust taxation by requiring more accurate and equitable valuation methods.

Protecting Homeowners from Inflated Tax Burdens
HB 361 helps shield homeowners from being unfairly taxed based on comparisons to commercial or investment properties that do not qualify for homestead exemptions. LPTexas opposes coercive taxation and supports measures that limit government’s ability to overvalue private property for the purpose of extracting more revenue.

Promoting Fair and Transparent Tax Policy
The bill aligns with the Libertarian principle of individual property rights by ensuring that only similarly situated properties are used in determining taxable value. This transparency helps reduce arbitrary valuations and fosters public trust by making appraisal practices more understandable and consistent.

Reinforcing the Right to Own and Keep Property
LPTexas affirms that the right to own property—including a person’s home—must be protected from unjust interference. Excessive property taxation threatens this right by placing undue financial pressure on homeowners, potentially leading to displacement. HB 361 is a small but meaningful step toward curbing this systemic issue.

Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to pass HB 361 and uphold the rights of Texas homeowners to fair appraisals and protection from arbitrary taxation. This bill empowers individuals and reins in government overreach, making it a clear reflection of Libertarian principles.