Texas House Bill HB4488

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation 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.

Impact

If enacted, HB4488 would amend Chapter 11 of the Tax Code, adding Section 11.325 that allows property owners to exempt a portion of the appraised value of their property that is tied to the installation of qualifying water conservation systems. This change is expected to benefit both residential and commercial property owners, incentivizing the adoption of systems designed to improve water efficiency and conservation, thus potentially leading to long-term environmental benefits.

Summary

House Bill 4488 proposes an exemption from ad valorem taxation for property owners who install certain water conservation systems, specifically rainwater harvesting or graywater systems. This bill aims to encourage the adoption of these systems by reducing the financial burden associated with property taxes on environmentally friendly installations. The intent is to promote sustainable practices among property owners and contribute to water conservation efforts in the state of Texas.

Contention

There are points of contention regarding the bill, particularly concerning the potential impact on local and state revenue from property taxes. Opponents may argue that while the bill seeks to promote conservation, it could lead to significant revenue losses for local governments that rely on property taxes for funding essential services. Additionally, there may be discussions about the fairness of the exemption to those who do not have the financial means to install such water systems, raising questions about equity and accessibility in water conservation efforts.