Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR16

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a high-speed passenger rail facility.

Impact

The introduction of SJR16 signals a shift in Texas's approach to transportation infrastructure, particularly in encouraging the development of high-speed rail systems. By providing a tax exemption, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on developers and incentivize both public and private investments in high-speed rail projects. Consequently, this could enhance connectivity within Texas and potentially attract future investments in rail services, which could have a ripple effect on economic development and local job creation.

Summary

SJR16 proposes a constitutional amendment that allows the Texas legislature to exempt high-speed passenger rail facilities from ad valorem taxation. The bill defines high-speed rail as technology enabling the operation of trains at speeds of at least 125 miles per hour and specifies that the rolling stock refers to electrically propelled trains. By amending Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, this legislation seeks to facilitate the development of high-speed rail as a vital component of the state's transportation network.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote modern transportation infrastructure, it may face contention regarding its economic implications, particularly in relation to property tax revenues that local governments rely on. Critics may argue that exempting high-speed rail facilities from ad valorem taxation could lead to a decrease in local funding for essential services. This tension between state economic strategies and local revenue concerns may become a focal point of debate in the legislative process as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

TX HJR82

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a high-speed passenger rail facility.

TX SB1272

Enabled by Relating to ad valorem and sales and use tax exemptions for high-speed passenger rail facilities.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR46

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a person's inventory.

TX HJR96

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property used to operate a child-care facility.

TX HJR149

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property used to operate a child-care facility.

TX HJR129

Proposing a constitutional amendment exempting tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation.

TX SJR78

Proposing a constitutional amendment exempting tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation.

TX HJR159

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a mineral interest that has a value of less than a certain amount.

TX HJR158

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation income-producing tangible personal property having a value of less than a certain amount.

TX HJR101

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation income-producing tangible personal property having a value of less than a certain amount.

TX HJR199

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.

TX HJR47

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.