Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB767

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the procedure for the adoption of an ad valorem tax rate.

Note

Overall, SB767 represents a legislative effort to establish more structured and transparent procedures for property tax rate adoption, reflecting ongoing tensions between uniform governance and local control in Texas.

Impact

If passed, SB767 will significantly affect the way local taxing entities, particularly school districts and utility districts, set and inform the public about their tax rates. The bill enforces strict deadlines for the adoption of tax rates and requires comprehensive public notification about proposed tax changes, including the implications on average residential properties. This will potentially empower taxpayers with more information and clarity regarding how tax rates are being determined.

Summary

SB767, introduced by Senator Bettencourt, aims to amend the procedures surrounding the adoption of ad valorem tax rates in Texas. The bill outlines specific requirements for taxing units regarding the timing and notification of tax rate meetings and seeks to provide clearer guidelines on the components of the tax rate. It mandates that each component of the tax rate must be approved separately before the governing body can adopt a rate for the current tax year, thereby increasing transparency in the tax adoption process.

Contention

Opponents of SB767 may argue that the changes could increase bureaucratic processes for local governments, making it harder for them to respond quickly to fiscal needs or changes in economic conditions. Additionally, the emphasis on transparency and taxpayer notification may also raise concerns about potential increases in public engagement that could complicate the tax adoption process. Nevertheless, supporters see it as a necessary enhancement to ensure taxpayers are more informed and engaged in local governance regarding taxation.

Companion Bills

TX HB2432

Very Similar Relating to the procedure for the adoption of an ad valorem tax rate by certain special districts.

Previously Filed As

TX SB976

Relating to the procedure for the adoption of an ad valorem tax rate by a taxing unit.

TX HB2220

Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.

TX HB17

Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.

TX HB14

Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.

TX HB187

Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.

TX SB2516

Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of certain taxing units.

TX SB1814

Relating to the current debt rate and tax rate of a taxing unit for ad valorem tax purposes.

TX SB1324

Relating to the effect of an election at which the voters fail to approve or vote to reduce the ad valorem tax rate adopted by the governing body of a taxing unit.

TX HB582

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation by certain taxing units of a portion of the appraised value of the residence homestead of the parent or guardian of a person who is disabled and who resides with the parent or guardian.

TX SB1997

Relating to the calculation of the ad valorem tax rate of a taxing unit.

Similar Bills

TX HB3315

Relating to an adjustment of the limitations on school district, county, municipal, and junior college district ad valorem taxes on residential homesteads of elderly and disabled persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB1129

Relating to the authority of a hospital district to establish an ad valorem tax freeze on the residence homesteads of disabled or elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB862

Relating to the transfer of the limitation on school district, county, municipal, or junior college district ad valorem taxes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to a subsequent homestead of that person.

TX HB1648

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a county may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

TX HB4478

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a county may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

TX HB1829

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

TX HB455

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

TX HB481

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.