Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB144

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to amend the Texas Tax Code by adding provisions for a new exemption under Section 11.136. If enacted, caregivers would be eligible for this tax relief only for the duration that the care recipient is documented on an interest list for long-term services. This measure is poised to directly impact the financial wellbeing of many families providing ongoing, unpaid care to their loved ones. As it stands, the bill is contingent upon a constitutional amendment, which if not approved, would render the bill ineffective. The expected implementation date for this exemption would begin on January 1, 2024, contingent upon voter approval.

Summary

House Bill 144 seeks to provide financial relief for unpaid caregivers who care for individuals eligible for long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program. Specifically, the bill proposes an exemption from ad valorem taxation on the entire appraised value of the residence homestead owned by these caregivers while their recipients are on a waiting list for necessary services. This bill is structured to alleviate some of the financial burdens that caregivers face, recognizing their essential role in supporting individuals needing care as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles related to Medicaid services.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 144 appears to be generally positive, particularly among caregivers and social advocacy groups. Proponents of the bill view it as a necessary support mechanism designed to honor and support the often unseen labor of unpaid caregivers. These caregivers contribute significantly to the healthcare system by providing essential services, allowing recipients to remain at home rather than transitioning into potentially more expensive institutional care. However, there may be some challenges or criticisms regarding the bill's long-term viability and the dependency on passing a constitutional amendment.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the bill's linkage to a constitutional amendment, which could complicate its ultimate passage. Critics may also question the long-term implications of providing tax exemptions within the broader context of state budget allocations and the funding of Medicaid services. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the definitions of 'qualifying caregiver' and 'qualifying individual,' as the parameters set forth in the bill could shape who qualifies for this tax relief and might lead to further legislative scrutiny regarding the impact on tax revenue and regulatory implications for the state's tax system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

  • Chapter 11. Taxable Property And Exemptions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: 43
  • Chapter 26. Assessment
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 1125

Government Code

  • Chapter 403. Comptroller Of Public Accounts
    • Section: 302

Companion Bills

TX HB147

Duplicate Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR16

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR16

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

Previously Filed As

TX HB147

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HB511

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HB122

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HB119

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HB905

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR16

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR48

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR67

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

TX HJR11

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total assessed value of the residence homestead of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term services and supports under the Medicaid program while the individual is on a waiting list for the services and supports.

Similar Bills

NJ A5089

Prohibits homestead property tax rebates and credits and ANCHOR property tax benefits from being paid to property owners who move out of State.

IN SB0090

Property tax freeze for seniors.

MN HF1343

Property tax provisions modified, and identification requirements for homestead determination modified.

IN SB0006

Property tax deferral program.

TX HB1648

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a county may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

IN SB0001

Local government finance.

TX HB4478

Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a county may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.

TX HJR87

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of residential real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year, to exempt from ad valorem taxation the total appraised value of property purchased by an individual for the first tax year the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead if the property is the individual's first residence homestead and has an appraised value of less than $300,000, and to limit the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision may impose on the residence homestead of an individual and the surviving spouse of the individual if the individual qualifies the property as the individual's residence homestead for at least 25 consecutive tax years.