North Dakota, Texas Advance Major Property Tax Relief

North Dakota lawmakers have passed a $408 million property tax relief bill, expanding the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,600 and capping local property tax levy increases at 3% annually, with funding from the state's Legacy Fund. The bill also eliminates a controversial provision that would have required all homeowners to pay a minimum portion of their tax liability, allowing some residents to have their entire property tax burden offset. Lawmakers praised the bill for providing immediate relief and aiding workforce recruitment, though critics have raised concerns about future budget pressures. In addition, Texas is advancing property tax relief measures that would significantly raise the homestead exemption, potentially saving homeowners over $500 annually, while also increasing the business personal property exemption. These efforts are expected to cost Texas upwards of $51 billion over two years and may require local governments to adjust tax rates, with some observers warning of limited benefits for renters and long-term fiscal challenges. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader trend among Republican-led states to ease property tax burdens amid rising home values.