11.   However, the compromise bill requires these people to live in the adopted state for at least two years before they can claim the homestead exemption.

12.   In Texas the mostly widely followed issue likely will be the fight over the homestead exemption.

13.   Lawmakers are loathe to tinker with the homestead exemption, which has become the third-rail in state politics.

14.   Moreover, the reforms maintain old loopholes, such as the unlimited homestead exemption in Texas, Florida and five other states that allows debtors to keep luxury properties.

15.   Other possibilities are a reduction in the state homestead exemption and an increase in the personal income tax.

16.   Several committee members reacted quickly, saying they wanted an overhaul of the tax structure not just an increase in the homestead exemption.

17.   Several committee members reacted quickly, saying they wanted an overhaul of the tax structure, not just an increase in the homestead exemption.

18.   The measure adopted Thursday would restrict, but not eliminate, the homestead exemption.

19.   The new bill originally left state homestead exemptions intact.

20.   The other was a Democratic request for more money for programs for the elderly, particularly prescription drugs and homestead tax exemptions, which Republicans also cut.