Texas House Bill HB225

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/14/08

Caption

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the portion of the appraised value of a person's property attributable to the implementation on the property of water conservation initiatives, desalination projects, or brush control initiatives.

Impact

If passed, the bill would amend Section 11.32 of the Tax Code to establish standards for determining eligibility for exemption based on the implementation of the stated initiatives. The comptroller would develop these standards, potentially requiring minimum capacities for rainwater harvesting systems or specific areas for brush control measures. This legislative change emphasizes the state's commitment to promoting sustainable water management practices among property owners and aiming for ecological benefit.

Summary

House Bill 225 aims to provide an exemption from ad valorem taxation for portions of property value attributed to water conservation initiatives, desalination projects, and brush control measures. This legislation is intended to incentivize property owners to implement sustainable practices that enhance water conservation efforts. The bill recognizes various definitions, including rainwater harvesting, desalination, and brush control as initiatives eligible for this tax exemption. These efforts are seen as essential contributions to managing and preserving water resources in Texas.

Contention

While the bill presents an opportunity for tax relief linked to environmentally responsible practices, there could be contention surrounding the requirements needed to qualify for these exemptions. Critics may argue that the parameters set by the comptroller could be too strict or complex for average property owners to navigate, thus limiting participation in the program. Additionally, the impact on local tax revenues as properties become exempt should be considered, particularly in how it affects public funding for essential services.