Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the appraised value of real property that arises from the use of xeriscape on the property.
Impact
The implementation of HB1370 could lead to a significant shift in how property taxes are assessed concerning landscaping techniques in Texas. By incentivizing xeriscaping, the bill aims to promote sustainable landscaping practices that conserve water and enhance the ecological environment. If approved, this exemption may encourage more property owners to consider xeriscaping as a viable option, leading to broader adoption across residential and commercial properties. This could ultimately benefit the state in terms of reduced water usage and improved environmental health.
Summary
House Bill 1370 seeks to provide an exemption from ad valorem taxation for the appraised value of real property that utilizes xeriscaping techniques. Xeriscaping, which refers to landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation, is recognized as a beneficial practice for water conservation and environmental sustainability. Under this bill, property owners who implement xeriscaping on their properties would be entitled to this tax exemption, thus potentially reducing their property tax liabilities based on the value added through sustainable landscaping practices.
Contention
A notable aspect of HB1370 is its conditional nature; the bill's effective date hinges on the approval of a proposed constitutional amendment by Texas voters. This requirement introduces an element of uncertainty, as the amendment must garner sufficient public support to move forward. Critics may argue about the fiscal implications of granting tax exemptions based on landscaping choices, raising concerns about the potential impact on local government revenue from property taxes. Supporters, however, may contend that the environmental benefits justify the trade-offs in tax revenues.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property that arises from the use of xeriscape on the property.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the appraised value of real property that arises from the installation in the property of certain energy efficiency-related improvements.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.
Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.
Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of certain assets used for agricultural production and to the authority of a county commissioners court to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by each taxing unit that taxes the property of the portion of the appraised value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of certain water conservation systems.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income and a franchise tax credit for the payment of certain related ad valorem taxes.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a percentage of the appraised value of the tangible personal property a person owns that consists of inventory held for sale at retail.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of a property that is the primary residence of an adult who has an intellectual or developmental disability and is related to the owner of the property within a certain degree by consanguinity.
Relating to the authority of a county commissioners court to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by each taxing unit that taxes the property of the portion of the appraised value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of certain water conservation systems.