Texas House Bill HB1727

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the exclusion from total revenue of certain payments received by health care providers for purposes of computing the franchise tax.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1727 would have significant implications for healthcare providers in Texas. By excluding specific payments from total revenue, healthcare entities may experience a reduction in their franchise tax liability. This could potentially lead to more financial resources being available for patient care and other operational expenses, thereby supporting the overall health infrastructure. The bill is expected to promote a more favorable financial environment for healthcare providers, especially those heavily reliant on government-funded programs and services.

Summary

House Bill 1727 aims to amend the Texas Tax Code regarding the franchise tax applicable to health care providers. It introduces provisions to allow certain payments received by health care providers to be excluded from total revenue computations for tax purposes. This includes payments under various public health programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, as well as specific payments related to workers' compensation claims and the TRICARE military health system. The legislation seeks to alleviate some financial burden on healthcare providers by allowing them to exclude these types of revenue from their taxable income calculations.

Contention

Notably, the bill sparks discussions around the equity of tax provisions for different sectors and the overall impact on state revenues. While proponents argue that the bill provides necessary support for the healthcare sector, critics might raise concerns about the long-term fiscal implications for state funding and tax equity among different industries. The tension between providing adequate resources for health care and maintaining robust state tax revenues will likely be a focal point of discussion as the bill moves through legislative scrutiny.