Texas House Bill HB1147

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 1147 would directly alter the existing taxation framework by introducing specific formulas to calculate both effective tax rates and rollback rates. The effective tax rate is defined as a function of the previous year's revenue and lost property value, while the rollback tax rate incorporates the inflation rate, which is determined annually by the comptroller. These adjustments aim to align local tax rates more closely with economic conditions, potentially leading to more stable tax revenues for local governments.

Summary

House Bill 1147 is designed to revise the method of calculating the ad valorem rollback tax rate for taxing units in Texas. The bill stipulates the definitions of 'consumer price index' and 'inflation rate,' determining their implications on tax computations. This legislation intends to enhance transparency and accountability by ensuring that local governments factor inflation into their tax rates, thus affecting how these entities assess and levy taxes on property owners.

Contention

While the bill has been seen as a step toward more judicious tax regulation, it has also raised concerns among some stakeholders. Critics argue that tying tax calculations to the inflation rate could lead to significant increases in property taxes, particularly for residents in areas with rapidly rising property values. Furthermore, there are apprehensions regarding how predictable and manageable tax obligations will be for constituents, and whether local governments will face pressures to raise rates more frequently. Proponents, however, argue that the changes would foster more predictable revenue streams for local services without overburdening taxpayers.