The Senate Committee on Finance voted to report Senate Bill 10 favorably to the full Senate, advancing a measure that would reduce the voter-approved rollback rate (also referenced in committee as the “voter approved tax rate”) for taxing jurisdictions from 3.5% to 2.5%.

The bill matters because it changes the formula local governments use to limit property tax increases; committee members discussed whether the bill should allow localities to separate pay raises for police from the rollback calculation. Senator Bettencourt presented the bill and moved that it be reported favorably; the motion passed on a roll call tally the clerk confirmed as 8 ayes and 3 nays.

During questioning, Senator West asked for time to consider an exception for separating police pay raises from the rollback, saying, "I'd like to make certain that we have an opportunity to discuss that before we bring it forward." Senator Bettencourt replied that his office had checked with the originator of a recent Dallas charter amendment, and that the charter amendment is "headed to litigation," adding, "So I see no reason to change the bill at this time." Those exchanges occurred during the committee’s discussion before the vote.

Senator Bettencourt moved the bill to be reported favorably; the clerk confirmed the final vote as 8 ayes and 3 nays. Committee procedure opened and closed public testimony with no speakers registered on the measure.

The committee’s action sends SB 10 to the full Senate for floor consideration. No final implementation details or effective dates were discussed in committee testimony.