Texas House Bill HB120

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Relating to a credit against the ad valorem taxes imposed on property owned by a person who makes a donation to the state for the purpose of border security and reimbursement to taxing units for the revenue loss incurred as a result of the credit.

Impact

This bill introduces significant changes to the Texas Tax Code by adding a new section that outlines the eligibility criteria for property owners to receive tax credits based on their contributions to border security. The amount of the credit is determined by the lesser of the total donations made in a calendar year or the total property taxes owed. This not only affects property owners but also influences the financial flow toward state-supported border security programs, thereby enhancing state efforts in this area.

Summary

House Bill 120 aims to provide a tax credit against ad valorem taxes imposed on property owned by individuals who donate to state efforts in border security. The underlying intent of this legislation is to incentivize financial contributions to enhance border security initiatives funded by the state or its agencies. By linking tax benefits directly to donations, the bill seeks to bolster funding directed toward securing the international border between Texas and Mexico, which has been a focal point of ongoing discussions on state security and immigration policy.

Conclusion

Overall, House Bill 120 encapsulates a proactive approach to border security funding through financial incentives via tax credits. While it may stimulate increased contributions to state security efforts, the implications for local governments and taxpayers, along with the execution of the reimbursement process, will likely be areas of much scrutiny and debate as the bill moves forward.

Contention

Notably, there may be concerns regarding the potential economic ramifications of this bill, especially among taxing units. Since property owners will receive credits against their taxes, there is a legitimate worry about the loss of revenue for local governments, which could eventually necessitate reimbursement payments from the state. This reimbursement process is detailed within the bill, stipulating that affected taxing units can apply for compensation from the state for the revenue lost as a result of these tax credits, creating a layer of dependency that some critics might view as unsustainable or problematic.