Texas House Bill HJR119

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homesteads of certain disabled first responders and their surviving spouses.

Impact

If passed, HJR119 would significantly alter the Texas Constitution by adding sections to Article VIII, which deals with property taxation. The bill specifies that the legislature can define who qualifies as a 'first responder' and establish additional eligibility criteria for the tax exemption. Importantly, the proposed amendment would also extend the same exemption rights to the surviving spouses of disabled first responders, provided they meet certain conditions, including not remarrying and maintaining residency in the property.

Summary

HJR119 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation all or part of the market value of the residence homesteads of certain disabled first responders and their surviving spouses. The amendment aims to provide financial relief to individuals who have served in emergency response roles and incurred disabilities as a result of their service, by alleviating some of the tax burdens associated with home ownership.

Contention

Key points of contention around HJR119 may include discussions on how 'first responders' are defined and what criteria will determine their eligibility. Some legislators might argue over the impact of these exemptions on local governments' tax revenues and the equitable distribution of tax burdens among taxpayers. Additionally, the stipulation that exemptions only apply if the spouse has not remarried could raise questions regarding the fairness of this provision and the potential stigma associated with it.