The state constitution of Texas has traditionally been interpreted to explicitly forbid both split-rate property tax and Land Value Tax. Split-rate property tax is any property tax regime where land and buildings are allowed to be taxed at separate rates, Land Value Tax is thus a subset of Split-rate property tax where the tax rate on buildings is 0%.

In the 1910's, J. J. Pastoriza, who would go on to be Houston's first Hispanic Mayor, insitituted a split-rate property tax in Houston, which was very nearly a full Land Value Tax:

https://twitter.com/larsiusprime/status/1427107150053183505

It got shut down, because of article 8 section 1, at least in one judge's opinion:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CN/htm/CN.8/CN.8.1.htm

It will probably take a ballot initiative to amend the state constituation to get split rate property tax passed in Texas.

If split rate property tax is unambiguously legalized in Texas through any means, ballot iniative or otherwise, then this market resolves YES. It doesn't mean that this reform must be mandated statewide, just that counties and cities will merely be allowed to enact the policy locally if they feel like it.

FYI, this isn't just a prediction, it's a goal -- I will be explicitly working to bring this policy outcome about. Bet on whether you think it'll happen within 5 years.

#Texas #Georgism #Politics #USPolitics