Austin, Texas – This week, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) filed legislation to limit the growth of property taxes, as well as legislation to protect landowners and local communities. The 85th Legislative Session will begin on January 10, 2017.

“These bills represent some of the priorities brought to me by the citizens of Senate District 3,” said Nichols. “My work is driven by the interests of the constituents I represent. Their insight and direction enables me to represent East Texas in the Texas Senate.”

The first bill Nichols filed is Senate Joint Resolution 19 to slow rapidly rising taxable values on Texas homes. This constitutional amendment cuts the maximum rate of increase in half, from 10 percent to 5 percent. Nichols pointed out the importance of limiting the increase in people’s property taxes, even when the value of their home increases.

“When your property value increases, it doesn’t mean you have any more money in your pocket,” said Nichols. “We must keep the maximum increase as low as possible so individuals and families can continue to afford living in their homes. In Texas we have placed an unfair share of the tax burden on homeowners.”

Nichols also filed Senate Bill 197, which would give general-law municipalities the authority to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones in the municipality, and Senate Bill 175, which helps to ensure land owned by certain members of the armed services does not lose its agriculture exemption while the service members are deployed.

In the Texas Senate, Nichols serves as Chairman for the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Senate Finance, Natural Resources and Economic Development, and Intergovernmental Relations Committees. He is a member of the Sunset Advisory Committee and the Legislative Audit Committee.

Robert Nichols is the Republican Senator for the 3rd District in the Texas Senate.