Texas House Bill HB3630

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to an insurance premium tax credit for investment in certain communities.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a positive economic impact on low-income communities by facilitating capital influx and promoting local job growth. It allocates at least $300 million in credits to encourage investments, thus providing significant financial backing for future developments within these communities. By stipulating that the tax credits can cover as much as 39 percent of the investment's purchase price, the bill aims to stimulate investment into areas that may be underserved or lacking economic opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 3630 aims to establish an insurance premium tax credit to incentivize investments in designated low-income and economically distressed communities. The bill proposes that entities making qualified equity investments in designated community development entities will be eligible for a credit against their state premium tax liability. This credit is designed to promote job creation, job retention, and capital investment in targeted areas across Texas, including rural areas, seaports, and educational institutions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support as a method to boost community development and economic growth, it may face challenges related to ensuring that the benefits of the tax credits effectively reach the intended communities. There may be concerns about monitoring and evaluating the impact of such credits to prevent potential misuse or over-reliance on tax incentives for community funding. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed solution in actually achieving its goals of job creation and economic revitalization will likely be scrutinized as it moves through the legislative process.