Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1154

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the deadline for filing an application for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

Impact

The passage of SB1154 is significant as it directly impacts the financial liability of disabled veterans concerning property taxes. By allowing retroactive exemptions for eligible veterans whose applications were delayed, the bill mitigates potential financial hardship for those serving in the military who are now facing disability. This change is especially crucial given the varying timelines associated with disability determinations from the Veterans Affairs office, which do not always align with traditional application deadlines for tax exemptions.

Summary

Senate Bill 1154 addresses the deadline for filing applications for exemptions from ad valorem taxation concerning the residence homestead of 100 percent or totally disabled veterans. The bill amends the existing Texas Tax Code to permit the chief appraiser to accept late applications for these exemptions, provided they are filed within one year of the approval date from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding a veteran’s disability application. This change seeks to ensure that veterans who qualify for these exemptions are not disadvantaged due to potential delays in processing their disability applications.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1154 appears to be predominantly positive, specifically among veteran advocacy groups and legislators focused on supporting disabled military personnel. Proponents view this bill as a meaningful step towards acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans and alleviating some of their financial burdens. By streamlining the process for exemption applications post-disability approval, supporters argue that the legislation fosters a more equitable treatment of veterans living with service-connected disabilities.

Contention

Despite the overall support for SB1154, there are concerns regarding potential administrative burdens that might arise from accepting late applications. Some critics worry that this might complicate the assessment and collection processes for local tax authorities, leading to increased costs or delays in tax revenue. However, the general consensus is that the benefits for veterans outweigh these concerns, emphasizing the need for supportive measures that recognize their unique circumstances.

Companion Bills

TX HB2146

Identical Relating to the deadline for filing an application for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5293

Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

TX HB5134

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB215

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB96

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB68

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB207

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX SB1956

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient or the surviving spouse of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

TX SB748

Relating to the provision of state aid to certain local governments to offset the cost of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

TX HB3973

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HJR206

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 homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran regardless of whether the property was the residence homestead of the surviving spouse when the disabled veteran died.

Similar Bills

NJ S2037

Requires direct payment of homestead credit to claimant following sale of qualifying homestead and upon claimant request.

NJ S1309

Requires direct payment of homestead credit to claimant following sale of qualifying homestead and upon claimant request.

CA AB1885

Debtor exemptions: homestead exemption.

NJ A5089

Prohibits homestead property tax rebates and credits and ANCHOR property tax benefits from being paid to property owners who move out of State.

FL H1105

Rescinding a Homestead Exemption Application

NJ A254

Permits eligible claimant who is proportionate owner paying entire property tax bill to collect entire homestead property tax reimbursement amount.

NJ A975

Permits eligible claimant who is proportionate owner paying entire property tax bill to collect entire homestead property tax reimbursement amount.

CA SB832

Debtor exemptions: homestead exemption.