Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1606

Caption

Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of a portion of the appraised value of real property of a business that provides, or pays for the provision of, certain services for honorably discharged veterans without cost.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1606 would facilitate a mechanism for counties and municipalities to grant tax exemptions to qualifying businesses, impacting local tax revenues. It would empower local governments to adopt this exemption by officially approving it, thus allowing communities to support local businesses that provide vital services to veterans. As a result, it could enhance fiscal incentives for businesses to engage with veterans and possibly increase the availability of essential services within the community.

Summary

House Bill 1606 proposes a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation for businesses that provide certain services to honorably discharged veterans at no cost. Under this bill, qualifying businesses could receive a tax exemption on a portion of the appraised value of their real property if they meet specific criteria, such as providing or reimbursing for at least $5,000 worth of services, including housing, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment. This initiative is seen as a means to support veterans and the businesses that serve them by alleviating some of their financial burdens related to property taxes.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a noble intention, its implementation might raise questions regarding the potential impact on overall tax revenues for local governments. Detractors might argue that the fiscal implications could limit funding available for other community services, thus posing a considerable dilemma for local decision-makers. Additionally, the requirement for businesses to prove their service contributions could complicate the exemption request process, making it burdensome and potentially discouraging participation from some small entity applicants.

Companion Bills

TX HJR70

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing body of a county or municipality to adopt a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the market value of real property of a business that provides, or pays for the provision of, certain services for honorably discharged veterans without cost.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3621

Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.

TX SB1145

Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.

TX SB5

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income and a franchise tax credit for the payment of certain related ad valorem taxes.

TX SJR64

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.

TX HB3083

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.

TX HB3973

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

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 HB419

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a taxing unit other than a school district of a portion of the appraised value of a residence homestead based on the average appraised value in the preceding tax year of all qualified residence homesteads located in the same county.

TX HB3241

Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of certain assets used for agricultural production and to the authority of a county commissioners court to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by each taxing unit that taxes the property of the portion of the appraised value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of certain water conservation systems.

TX SB196

Relating to the authority of the governing body of a taxing unit to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.