Texas House Bill HB1132

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled based on disability rating.

Impact

If enacted, HB1132 would alter the existing framework of property tax exemptions by providing increased exemptions according to the severity of disability. This could enable more disabled veterans to retain a greater portion of their property value, alleviating financial burdens associated with property ownership. The changes could also potentially influence local government revenue, as the expanded exemptions may reduce the tax base in certain areas, requiring adjustments in local budget allocations.

Summary

House Bill 1132 proposes amendments to the Texas Tax Code regarding property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Specifically, it modifies the schedule of exemptions that disabled veterans receive based on their disability rating, which directly impacts the amount of property they are exempt from taxation. The proposed changes are designed to provide increased financial relief for veterans who have sustained service-related disabilities, reflecting the state's recognition of the sacrifices made by these individuals.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the financial implications of the bill on local revenues and the overall state budget. Critics could argue that while the intentions behind the amendment are admirable, the increase in tax exemptions could exacerbate existing fiscal challenges faced by local governments. Proponents, on the other hand, may argue that the financial support to disabled veterans is a necessary investment in the community, in light of their service. The balance between providing adequate support to veterans and maintaining local government funding levels will likely be a focal point of discussions surrounding this bill.