Texas House Bill HB3699

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/8/09

Caption

Relating to eligibility for and the effect for school finance purposes of the ad valorem tax exemption for pollution control property and the adjustment of the rollback tax rate of a taxing unit to compensate for the costs of compliance with pollution control requirements.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3699 will have significant implications for state laws related to environmental protection and taxation. The bill's adjustments to the tax code signify a potential increase in state support for industries that undertake pollution control measures, thereby promoting better environmental practices within the state. Additionally, by exempting certain pollution control properties from ad valorem taxes, the bill aims to relieve financial burdens on businesses investing in environmental compliance.

Summary

House Bill 3699 addresses the ad valorem tax exemption for pollution control properties, establishing eligibility criteria and adjusting the rollback tax rate for taxing units. The bill aims to promote compliance with pollution control requirements by allowing tax exemptions for facilities that adopt specified pollution control technologies. This includes a wide range of mechanisms and systems that effectively reduce environmental pollutants, thereby encouraging businesses to invest in cleaner technologies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3699 may arise from differing perspectives on the balance between taxation and environmental responsibilities. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to inadequate oversight of pollution control measures, while proponents assert that financial incentives are essential for fostering compliance and mitigating pollution. Discussions may also focus on the specifics of the pollution control technologies included in the nonexclusive list provided in the bill, as well as the overall effectiveness of such tax exemptions in achieving desired environmental outcomes.