Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB846

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the exemption of oil and gas royalty interests owned by private institutions of higher education from oil and gas severance taxes.

Impact

If enacted, SB846 would amend two sections of the Tax Code to ensure that royalty interests from oil and gas owned by private or independent institutions of higher education are exempt from severance taxes. This change is intended to promote resource equity among educational institutions, allowing higher education facilities to benefit from natural resource revenues without incurring additional tax liabilities. The impact of this proposal could lead to enhanced funding opportunities for educational programs and projects directly related to these institutions.

Summary

SB846 seeks to provide an exemption for oil and gas royalty interests owned by private institutions of higher education from the state's severance taxes. This legislation aims to support private universities in Texas by reducing their tax burdens related to oil and gas revenue, thereby giving them more financial flexibility. The explicit recognition of such institutions under the Tax Code establishes a legal foundation for this exemption, which has implications for the funding and operations of these educational entities.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill supports educational institutions and promotes their financial health, it may raise concerns regarding equity in tax policies. Critics might contend that providing tax exemptions exclusively for private universities could disproportionately favor these institutions over public universities, which do not receive the same treatment under current laws. The long-term implications of this legislation on public funding and resource allocation could prompt further debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the education sector.

Companion Bills

TX HB4022

Identical Relating to the exemption of oil and gas royalty interests owned by private institutions of higher education from oil and gas severance taxes.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2056

Relating to a severance tax exemption for oil and gas produced from certain restimulation wells; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB1407

Relating to a severance tax exemption for oil and gas produced from certain restimulation wells; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB450

Relating to a cause of action for the bad faith washout of an overriding royalty interest in an oil and gas lease.

TX SB501

Relating to a cause of action for the bad faith washout of an overriding royalty interest in an oil and gas lease.

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

TX SB834

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of certain royalty interests owned by a charitable organization.

TX HB4046

Relating to the reduction and plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells; providing for the imposition of a fee and an exemption from certain taxes and fees.

TX SB1686

Relating to the reduction and plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells; providing for the imposition of a fee and an exemption from certain taxes and fees.

TX SB2553

Relating to the establishment of a strategic reserve of gas and crude oil and a severance tax credit for delivering gas and oil to the reserve.

TX HB4880

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education; providing a private cause of action.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.