Texas House Bill HB2753

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/29/09

Caption

Relating to the voluntary assessment of property owners by a county to finance certain solar energy improvements.

Impact

If enacted, HB2753 would enhance the ability of residents to finance solar energy improvements through their property taxes. The assessments would be collected in the same manner as standard property taxes and would create a lien on properties that opt into the program. This financial mechanism aims to alleviate upfront costs associated with installing solar energy systems, encouraging broader adoption of renewable energy technologies at the residential level.

Summary

House Bill 2753, introduced in the Texas Legislature, focuses on the establishment of a voluntary program for property owners to finance solar energy improvements through special assessments. This bill amends the Local Government Code by adding Chapter 388, allowing county commissioners' courts to levy special assessments on single-family residential properties upon request by the owner. The intent is to facilitate financing for eligible solar energy improvements such as photovoltaic and solar thermal systems installed in homes, thereby increasing residents' access to solar technology.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance renewable energy adoption, concerns may arise regarding the financial implications for property owners. Potential critics might raise issues related to the additional burden of assessments and the valuation of improvements. Furthermore, the framework allows local governments to establish special assessment programs without imposing additional participation criteria beyond those outlined in the bill, which could be seen as a double-edged sword in terms of local governance autonomy and financial advisability for individual property owners.