Texas House Bill HJR25

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to extend the number of days that certain tangible personal property to be transported outside of this state is exempt from ad valorem taxation.

Impact

The implementation of HJR25 is geared towards fostering economic growth in Texas by incentivizing businesses to operate within the state. By extending the tax exemption period, the state hopes to attract more transactions involving tangible personal property that is either imported into Texas for processing or assembly before being shipped elsewhere. This could result in increased commercial activities, creating additional jobs and potentially boosting local economies.

Summary

HJR25 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at extending the duration for which certain tangible personal property remains exempt from ad valorem taxation when transported out of Texas. The amendment revises Section 1-j(a) of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, increasing the allowable timeframe for the transportation of goods outside the state from 175 days to 365 days. This change is envisioned to promote business activities by allowing companies more time to assemble and prepare their products for shipment beyond state borders.

Contention

The proposal is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that extending the timeframe for tax exemptions could result in reduced tax revenues for local governments, which rely on these funds for funding essential services. There is also concern that such tax incentives may disproportionately benefit larger businesses, while smaller enterprises might not have the same level of resources to take advantage of these exemptions. Discussions during the legislative process could likely focus on balancing economic benefits with the financial implications for state and local governments.