Texas House Bill HJR59

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt a percentage of the market value of the residence homesteads of certain partially disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation.

Impact

The impact of HJR59, if passed, would be a notable shift in state law regarding property tax exemptions specifically for veterans. The addition of such exemptions could alleviate the financial burdens faced by many veterans, allowing them to maintain their homes despite potential economic challenges. This reflects a growing recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans and aims to ensure that they receive appropriate support from the state. However, discussions surrounding the potential loss of tax revenue for local governments may arise as a concern, as such exemptions could decrease the funds available for community services that rely on property tax income.

Summary

HJR59 proposes a constitutional amendment that authorizes the Texas legislature to exempt a percentage of the market value of residence homesteads owned by certain partially disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation. This initiative aims to provide tax relief specifically targeted towards veterans who do not have a full 100 percent disability rating but still encounter challenges in their daily lives due to their service-related disabilities. The proposed change would allow the legislature to define the percentage eligible for exemption based on the veteran's disability rating, along with establishing additional eligibility requirements as necessary.

Contention

While there is significant support for measures that assist veterans, HJR59 could generate contention among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the implications of creating a tiered system of property tax exemptions based on disability ratings. Some may argue that this could lead to complexities in the tax code and may require careful consideration to ensure that it provides equitable support. Additionally, the potential for reduced tax revenue may prompt discussions about how municipalities will compensate for any losses incurred as a result of the implemented exemptions. Lawmakers must balance providing necessary support for veterans with the implications for local funding and services.