Texas Senate Bill SB1322

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a temporary local option exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.

Impact

If enacted, SB1322 would have a significant impact on how local governments manage property taxes following disasters. By allowing for temporary tax exemptions, local taxing units can provide immediate financial relief to property owners affected by disasters, fostering quicker recovery. The bill's implementation would require local governments to take action within 60 days of a disaster declaration, thereby ensuring a timely response to the financial needs of affected residents and businesses.

Summary

SB1322 introduces a temporary local option exemption from ad valorem taxation for qualifying properties that are damaged in disaster areas. Specifically, the bill enables local governing bodies to adopt exemptions from a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property or improvements to real property that have sustained at least 15% damage due to a declared disaster. This provision is aimed at alleviating the tax burden on property owners in disaster-stricken regions, thereby encouraging recovery and economic stability.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SB1322, particularly regarding the criteria for what constitutes 'qualified property' and the 15% damage threshold. Some stakeholders might argue that this threshold could be too lenient or too stringent, potentially leading to disparities in tax relief among property owners. Additionally, the requirement for local governments to adopt the exemption may create pressures on their budgetary processes and decision-making, affecting how effectively these exemptions can be rolled out, especially in diverse local jurisdictions.