Texas House Bill HB4713

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by House: 5/5/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to certain exemptions from ad valorem taxes imposed by the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District.

Impact

The bill amends existing statutes to specify the conditions under which the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District can grant these exemptions. Specifically, it allows the district to adopt rules for granting tax exemptions on properties where water conservation initiatives have been implemented. The total amount of such exemptions is capped at one-half of the tax imposed by the district, which aims to maintain a balance between encouraging conservation and ensuring sufficient tax revenue for the district.

Summary

House Bill 4713 is an act aimed at modifying tax exemption policies related to properties within the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District in Texas. The main focus of the bill is to allow certain exemptions from ad valorem taxes for properties that implement water conservation initiatives. By enabling these exemptions, the bill seeks to encourage sustainable water usage practices among property owners and utilities, thereby supporting environmental stewardship.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB4713 is the potential financial impact on the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District's funding. While proponents argue that the bill will boost participation in conservation practices, critics express concerns that the exemptions could lead to a significant reduction in tax revenue. This, in turn, might limit the district's ability to fulfill its environmental mandates and undertake necessary conservation projects. Overall, the discussions on this bill reflect the ongoing struggle between promoting environmental initiatives and ensuring adequate fiscal resources for regulatory bodies.

Additional_points

Despite these concerns, the legislative intent behind HB4713 is to foster a cooperative relationship between property owners and the district. By providing a structure for tax relief tied to conservation actions, the bill aims to motivate property owners to invest in sustainable practices that benefit the community and the environment.