Texas House Bill HJR74

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature by general law to exempt from ad valorem taxes the portion of the assessed value of property attributable to the implementation on the property of a water conservation initiative, desalination project, or brush control initiative.

Impact

If enacted, HJR74 would amend Section 1-m, Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, enabling the legislature to pass a law authorizing the exemptions. This alteration aims to encourage more property owners to invest in water conservation and related initiatives, potentially leading to enhanced environmental sustainability across the state. The exemption could significantly lower the tax liabilities for landowners, thereby promoting the adoption of practices that contribute to better water management and conservation efforts.

Summary

HJR74 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the Texas Legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxes a portion of property value attributed to specific initiatives: water conservation, desalination projects, or brush control initiatives. The amendment seeks to provide financial incentives for property owners who implement these environmentally beneficial projects by alleviating some of the tax burdens associated with them. The proposal reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in managing Texas's water resources, especially in light of increasing pressures from drought and population growth.

Contention

As with many legislative changes, the proposal may face contention. Proponents argue that this amendment is a necessary step toward responsible environmental stewardship and offers a fair means of supporting landowners who take proactive steps to protect water resources. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential loss of tax revenue for local governments, which could affect funding for public services. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the appropriateness of further tax exemptions amid broader budgetary constraints faced by the state.