Texas House Bill HJR88

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing bodies of certain political subdivisions to exempt from ad valorem taxation the real and tangible personal property of businesses during an initial period of operation in this state.

Impact

The incorporation of such a tax exemption is expected to stimulate economic growth and job creation within counties that enact the exemption. By alleviating the tax burden for new businesses, HJR88 aims to enhance local economic development efforts, particularly in areas that may struggle to attract business investments. Additionally, this measure could potentially enhance the competitiveness of smaller jurisdictions relative to larger metropolitan areas that might not offer similar tax incentives, thus maintaining balanced economic growth across the state.

Summary

HJR88 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the governing bodies of certain political subdivisions in Texas to exempt real and tangible personal property of businesses from ad valorem taxation during their initial ten years of operation in the state. The amendment specifically applies to businesses that commence operations on or after January 1, 2016, and situates the exemption within counties having a population of 250,000 or less. This initiative is primarily aimed at encouraging new business ventures in smaller communities by reducing their fiscal burdens during the crucial startup phase.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR88 could revolve around its perceived implications for funding local services. Opponents may argue that granting these exemptions could significantly deplete local tax revenue, hindering the ability of these political subdivisions to fund essential services such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. Alongside concerns of reduced funding, debates may arise about whether the exemption is an effective strategy for long-term economic sustainability or merely a short-term aid for businesses that might not contribute significantly to the local economy over time.