By: Bohac, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Carona) H.B. No. 2500
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 2013;
May 10, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on Finance;
May 20, 2013, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 13,
Nays 1; May 20, 2013, sent to printer.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of solar
energy property.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 23, Tax Code, is amended by
adding Section 23.26 to read as follows:
Sec. 23.26. SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY. (a) In this section,
"solar energy property" means a "solar energy device" as defined by
Section 11.27(c)(1) that is used for a commercial purpose,
including a commercial storage device, power conditioning
equipment, transfer equipment, and necessary parts for the device
and equipment.
(b) This section applies only to solar energy property that
is constructed or installed on or after January 1, 2014.
(c) The chief appraiser shall use the cost method of
appraisal to determine the market value of solar energy property.
(d) To determine the market value of solar energy property
using the cost method of appraisal, the chief appraiser shall:
(1) use cost data obtained from generally accepted
sources;
(2) make any appropriate adjustment for physical,
functional, or economic obsolescence and any other justifiable
factor; and
(3) calculate the depreciated value of the property by
using a useful life that does not exceed 10 years.
(e) The chief appraiser may not in any tax year determine
the depreciated value under Subsection (d)(3) to be less than 20
percent of the value computed after making appropriate adjustments
under Subsection (d)(2) to the value determined under Subsection
(d)(1).
SECTION 2. This Act applies only to an ad valorem tax year
that begins on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2014.
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