Relating to an exemption from the state hotel occupancy tax for certain veterans traveling to receive health care at a United States Department of Veterans Affairs facility.
Impact
If enacted, this legislation would amend the Texas Tax Code by adding a specific provision that exempts qualifying veterans from the hotel occupancy tax. This change aims to alleviate some financial burden from veterans who may incur lodging costs during their healthcare visits, potentially encouraging them to seek necessary medical treatment without the added concern of additional tax expenses while away from home.
Summary
House Bill 3953 seeks to provide a tax exemption from the state hotel occupancy tax specifically for veterans traveling to receive healthcare services at United States Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. The bill is intended to recognize the unique challenges that veterans face when seeking medical care, particularly those who have to travel significant distances from their homes, defined in this case as 200 miles or more.
Contention
While the details surrounding potential points of contention are not explicitly documented in the provided materials, bills like HB 3953 can sometimes spark debate regarding the implications for tax revenues at the state or local level. Lawmakers and stakeholders may voice concerns over how such tax exemptions might affect hotel industries or the overall tax base, although the bill appears to have a noble goal focused on the welfare of veterans.
Relating to required military informed care or military cultural competency training for certain personnel of entities that provide mental health services to veterans or veterans' families before award of a state agency grant.
Relating to the issuance of state parklands passports to and a waiver of certain state park fees for certain veterans, active duty armed forces members, and certain family members of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Relating to the issuance of state parklands passports to and a waiver of certain state park fees for veterans and certain family members of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces.