Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR34

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.

Impact

If enacted, HJR34 would modify Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, allowing for exemptions that could potentially be tailored to the unique circumstances surrounding each disaster. This legislative change is intended to expedite government assistance and improve recovery efforts, particularly in the wake of natural disasters. The measure enables the governing bodies of political subdivisions to apply these tax exemptions, thereby encouraging local resilience and support for communities experiencing severe hardships.

Summary

HJR34 proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant the Texas Legislature the authority to create a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation on a portion of the appraised value of certain properties that have been damaged by disasters. This amendment aims to provide fiscal relief to property owners in areas declared disaster zones, helping them recover from the financial setbacks associated with such events. The direct impact of this measure would be to facilitate the recovery process for affected individuals by alleviating some of the immediate financial burdens of property taxes during their time of need.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR34 appears to be largely positive, especially among legislators, as it was passed with overwhelming support in both the Texas House and Senate. Advocates view the amendment as a crucial tool for disaster recovery, reflecting a compassionate response from the state government towards its constituents. However, there is a notable concern regarding the effectiveness and timeliness of the implementation of such tax exemptions and their actual reach for the affected populations.

Contention

There were discussions among lawmakers about the potential for varying interpretations of how the exemptions would be applied by different political subdivisions. While the bill faced minimal opposition, some members expressed concerns about the adequacy of the framework that governs the exemptions. The main point of contention focuses around establishing appropriate guidelines to ensure that all eligible property owners receive timely relief, as well as ensuring local governments have the necessary tools and resources to implement these exemptions effectively.

Companion Bills

TX HB492

Enabled by Relating to a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.

TX SJR49

Same As Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary local option exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR71

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for limitations on the appraised value of certain real property in specified areas for ad valorem tax purposes.

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 HJR179

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value for ad valorem tax purposes and exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of rental real property that primarily serves as the residence of the occupants of the property.

TX HJR65

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of commercial property and rental property for ad valorem taxation.

TX HJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of commercial property and rental property for ad valorem taxation.

TX HJR8

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of commercial property and rental property for ad valorem taxation.

TX HJR108

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the commissioners court of a county to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by the county of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead.

TX HJR173

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit the owner of a parcel of real property that is located in more than one county to elect to have the property appraised for ad valorem taxation by the appraising entity for one of those counties.

TX HJR129

Proposing a constitutional amendment exempting tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation.

TX SJR78

Proposing a constitutional amendment exempting tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.