Texas House Bill HJR75

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/24/09

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing body of a municipality to exempt a portion of the value of a residence homestead from ad valorem taxation if the homestead meets certain energy efficiency standards.

Impact

If enacted, HJR75 could significantly impact local laws regarding taxation and energy efficiency in Texas. By enabling municipalities to offer tax exemptions based on energy efficiency, the bill may encourage more residents to invest in energy-saving improvements for their homes. This could lead to higher overall standards in energy efficiency within the housing market, ultimately reducing energy consumption at a community level. However, the bill also raises questions regarding the potential impact on city revenues, as the exemptions could diminish the tax base from which municipalities fund services.

Summary

HJR75 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would grant municipalities the authority to exempt a portion of the market value of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation, provided that these homes meet specific energy efficiency standards set by the local governing bodies. This amendment aims to incentivize homeowners to adopt energy-efficient practices by reducing their tax burden. The language of the bill allows for flexibility, as it empowers municipalities to determine the criteria for exemptions and the eligible households, which may include provisions for homes constructed in different years to have distinct energy standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR75 include concerns over the equity and fairness of such tax exemptions. Critics may argue that providing exemptions could disproportionately benefit wealthier homeowners who can afford to make energy efficiency upgrades. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the administrative burden that municipalities might face when determining eligibility and implementing the new standards. Some worry that the bill might inadvertently complicate the local tax structure and create disparities in tax benefits across different regions.