86R4801 TJB-D By: Thompson of Harris H.B. No. 1842 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the application of the limit on appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes to an improvement that is a replacement structure for a structure that was rendered uninhabitable or unusable by a casualty or by wind or water damage. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 23.23(g), Tax Code, is amended to read as follows: (g) In this subsection, "disaster recovery program" means the disaster recovery program administered by the General Land Office that is funded with community development block grant disaster recovery money authorized by federal law [the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. No. 110-329) and the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (Pub. L. No. 112-55)]. Notwithstanding Subsection (f)(2), and only to the extent necessary to satisfy the requirements of the disaster recovery program, a replacement structure described by that subdivision is not considered to be a new improvement if to satisfy the requirements of the disaster recovery program it was necessary that: (1) the square footage of the replacement structure exceed that of the replaced structure as that structure existed before the casualty or damage occurred; or (2) the exterior of the replacement structure be of higher quality construction and composition than that of the replaced structure. SECTION 2. This Act applies only to the appraisal of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes for a tax year that begins on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2020.