Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1000

Caption

Relating to rural and opportunity funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; imposing a monetary penalty; authorizing fees.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1000 will amend existing regulations under the Insurance Code and Government Code to create a structured approach for rural and opportunity fund operations. Specifically, it introduces rules for the investment authority and calls for robust reporting requirements to ensure accountability among the funds operated under its provisions. The bill will facilitate investments only in entities classified as small businesses with fewer than 250 employees, further directing benefits toward enhancing local economies that have historically been overlooked.

Summary

House Bill 1000 aims to establish rural and opportunity funds in Texas by providing tax credits for investments into these funds. This legislation allows investors who contribute to rural and opportunity funds to claim credits against their state insurance tax obligations. It is designed to incentivize the economic growth of specified rural communities and qualified opportunity zones, thus promoting investment in targeted small businesses located in underserved areas of the state. By enabling this financial mechanism, the bill seeks to stimulate job creation and retain businesses within these regions, helping to address economic disparities.

Sentiment

There appears to be a mostly supportive sentiment surrounding HB 1000, particularly among legislators focused on economic growth and rural development. Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step towards revitalizing economically stagnant areas by attracting investment and creating job opportunities. However, some concerns have been raised about the long-term effectiveness and oversight of these funds, particularly with regard to ensuring that the promised economic benefits are realized in practice and that investors adhere to the terms set forth.

Contention

A notable point of contention lies in balancing the interests of small businesses with the potential risks that tax credit policies could present to the state budget. Critics argue that while tax incentives may spur initial investment, there is concern about the overall fiscal impact on state revenues if these credits are overutilized or do not yield the predicted economic benefits. The legislation necessitates ongoing evaluation and assessment of the actual impacts of the funds, as well as pathways for recapturing credits if targets are not met, which are essential to address the concerns of fiscal responsibility.

Companion Bills

TX SB826

Same As Relating to rural and opportunity funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; imposing a monetary penalty; authorizing fees.

TX SB826

Same As Relating to rural and opportunity funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; imposing a monetary penalty; authorizing fees.

Previously Filed As

TX SB675

Relating to small business recovery funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; imposing a monetary penalty; authorizing fees.

TX HB1718

Relating to rural development funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; authorizing fees.

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

TX SB1926

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mircale Act (TMA), allowing for certain fees, authorizing certain ad valorem tax incentives for economic development, specifically certain tax relief from school district taxes for certain corporations and limited liability companies that make large investments that create jobs in this state, to authorizing the imposition of certain fees, and the repeal of Chapter 313 of Texas Tax Code and the Economic Development Act of the 77th Legislature.

TX SB344

Relating to the creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange and premium assistance and cost-sharing reduction programs; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB700

Relating to creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange; authorizing an assessment.

TX HB2554

Relating to creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange; authorizing an assessment.

TX SB1246

Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

Similar Bills

TX SB826

Relating to rural and opportunity funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; imposing a monetary penalty; authorizing fees.

TX HB2633

Relating to resources provided to human trafficking victims and the establishment of the trafficked persons grant program.

PA HB231

In post-trial matters, further providing for eligibility for relief, providing for postconviction review for veterans with service-connected mental health disability and further providing for jurisdiction and proceedings; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

PA HB458

In post-trial matters, further providing for eligibility for relief, providing for postconviction review for veterans with service-connected mental health disability and further providing for jurisdiction and proceedings; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

TX HB105

Relating to the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act.

TX SB1770

Relating to the creation, operation, and funding of the Texas YouthBuild Program.

TX HB2492

Relating to the creation, operation, and funding of the Texas Sustainable Youth Program.

PA HB2063

In educational tax credits, further providing for definitions and for qualification and application by organizations.