HB 254

relating to the eligibility of an individual to pay the ad valorem
taxes imposed on the individual's residence homestead in
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 31.031, Tax Code, is
Sec. 31.031.  INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS OF RESIDENCE [CERTAIN]
SECTION 2.  Sections 31.031(a-1) and (a-2), Tax Code, are
(a-1)  An individual [to whom this section applies] may pay a
taxing unit's taxes imposed on property that the person owns and
occupies as a residence homestead in four equal installments
without penalty or interest if the first installment is paid before
the delinquency date and is accompanied by notice to the taxing unit
that the person will pay the remaining taxes in three equal
installments.  If the delinquency date is February 1, the second
installment must be paid before April 1, the third installment must
be paid before June 1, and the fourth installment must be paid
before August 1.  If the delinquency date is a date other than
February 1, the second installment must be paid before the first day
of the second month after the delinquency date, the third
installment must be paid before the first day of the fourth month
after the delinquency date, and the fourth installment must be paid
before the first day of the sixth month after the delinquency date.
(a-2)  Notwithstanding the deadline prescribed by Subsection
(a-1) for payment of the first installment, an individual [to whom
this section applies] may pay the taxes in four equal installments
as provided by Subsection (a-1) if the first installment is paid and
the required notice is provided before the first day of the first
month after the delinquency date.
SECTION 3.  Section 31.031(a), Tax Code, is repealed.
SECTION 4.  This Act applies only to ad valorem taxes imposed
for a tax year beginning on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2026.