Texas House Bill HB30

Texas 2023 - 88th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 5/30/23

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county commissioners court to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by each taxing unit that taxes the property of the portion of the appraised value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of certain water conservation systems.

Impact

If implemented, HB30 will directly influence state tax laws by allowing county-level adjustments in property tax assessments related to water conservation systems. The bill is designed to support sustainability initiatives by providing financial incentives for property owners who adopt such systems. The effectiveness of this proposed exemption is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment that would enable these tax exemptions, thereby linking these two legislative processes closely together.

Summary

House Bill 30 (HB30) aims to grant county commissioners' courts the authority to exempt a portion of the appraised value of properties from ad valorem taxation, specifically for properties that have installed certain water conservation systems, including rainwater harvesting and graywater systems. This legislative effort seeks to encourage local governments to promote water conservation practices by alleviating the financial burden associated with property taxes for homeowners who invest in these environmental technologies.

Sentiment

The discussions around HB30 reflect a generally positive sentiment among supporters who argue that it is a progressive step towards enhancing environmental sustainability. Legislators and stakeholders shared the view that the bill could lead to broader adoption of water conservation practices among homeowners. However, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and the reliance on voters to approve the necessary amendments to facilitate the bill's provisions.

Contention

Despite the overall positive reception, notable points of contention may arise concerning the potential impact on local government revenue. Critics of similar measures often express concerns about the long-term financial implications of tax exemptions on essential public services. The necessity of obtaining voter approval for the accompanying constitutional amendment further complicates the bill's pathway, as it brings into question public willingness to support tax exemptions that could affect the counties' financial resources.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

• Chapter 11. Taxable Property And Exemptions
  • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 341. Minimum Standards Of Sanitation And Health Protection Measures
  • Section: 039