Texas Senate Bill SJR43

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to extend the number of days that certain tangible personal property that is exempt from ad valorem taxation due to its location in this state for a temporary period may be located in this state for the purpose of qualifying for the tax exemption.

Impact

If passed, SJR43 would amend Section 1-j(a) of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution, impacting the way state and local governments can impose taxes on certain goods and personal properties. This change would effectively allow businesses and entities that import goods for storage, processing, or manufacturing in the state to have a longer window to transport these goods outside Texas without incurring significant tax liabilities. The proposed extension aims to attract more manufacturing and distribution businesses to Texas, which could have considerable economic benefits for the state.

Summary

SJR43 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to extend the timeframe during which certain tangible personal property that is exempt from ad valorem taxation can remain in Texas. The primary aim of this amendment is to promote economic development within the state by allowing goods, wares, and merchandise to be covered under the tax exemption for longer periods. Currently, there is a specified duration for which such property can be retained in Texas before tax obligations kick in, and this bill seeks to extend that duration from 175 days to 365 days, aligning it with current practices in economic development strategies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR43 may involve discussions on the implications for local taxation authority. Critics could argue that extending the exemption could lead to a diminished tax base for local governments, potentially impacting their ability to fund public services. There may also be concerns that the measure prioritizes corporate interests over local needs, as extended tax exemptions for businesses could influence budget allocations and financial resources for community programs. Overall, the discourse around SJR43 highlights the balance between fostering an attractive business environment and maintaining local fiscal responsibility.