Texas House Bill HJR93

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the assessed value of the residence homestead of a veteran of the United States armed services who served in the armed services for a certain period.

Impact

If enacted, HJR93 would require a change to the Texas Constitution, specifically to Article VIII, Section 1-b. The proposed exemption would not only lighten the tax burden for qualifying veterans but would also involve local political subdivisions maintaining their ability to levy taxes against the exempted value until any pledged debts are discharged. This means the amendment is designed to safeguard the fiscal obligations of local jurisdictions while still providing benefits to veterans.

Summary

HJR93 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the Texas legislature to exempt a portion of the assessed value of the residence homestead of veterans who served in the U.S. armed services for a minimum of three years. Specifically, the bill seeks to exempt $5,000 from ad valorem taxation on the homesteads of eligible veterans, providing them with financial relief in recognizing their service. This amendment aims to support veterans by making home ownership more affordable and providing a means of honoring their contributions to the country.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR93 include the implications of changing the Constitution to favor tax exemptions for a specific group. Critics may argue that such exemptions could lead to inequities in the tax system and potentially reduce revenue for local governments, which rely on property taxes for funding essential services. Proponents, however, argue that the financial advantages provided to veterans justify the amendment as it acknowledges their sacrifices and supports their successful reintegration into society.