84R1905 TJB-D By: González H.B. No. 337 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a sales and use tax exemption for books and magazines purchased, used, or consumed by certain university and college students. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 151, Tax Code, is amended by adding Section 151.3213 to read as follows: Sec. 151.3213. BOOKS AND MAGAZINES PURCHASED, USED, OR CONSUMED BY CERTAIN UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS. (a) In this section: (1) "Financial assistance" means financial assistance provided to a student through the financial aid office of the college, university, or other institution of higher education at which the student is enrolled. (2) "Magazine" has the meaning assigned by Section 151.320(b), and includes a periodical. (b) The sale, use, or consumption of a book or magazine is exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter if the book or magazine is: (1) written, designed, and produced for educational, instructional, or pedagogical purposes; and (2) purchased by a full-time or part-time student who: (A) receives financial assistance; and (B) is enrolled at an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, or a private or independent college or university that is located in this state and that is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. (c) A person may establish that the person is a full-time or part-time student by presenting a valid student identification card. In addition, the comptroller by rule shall prescribe the manner in which a person may establish, when making an in-person or online purchase, that the person is a full-time or part-time student who receives financial assistance. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act does not affect taxes imposed before the effective date of this Act, and the law in effect before the effective date of this Act is continued in effect for purposes of the liability for and collection of those taxes. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect July 1, 2015, if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for effect on that date, this Act takes effect October 1, 2015.