Texas House Bill HB64

Texas 2023 - 88th 3rd C.S.

• Filed: 10/6/23

Caption

Relating to the elimination of ad valorem taxes and the creation of a joint interim committee on the elimination of those taxes.

Impact

The removal of ad valorem taxes could drastically transform funding streams for local governments, as these taxes are a significant source of revenue used to support essential public services like education, public safety, and infrastructure. The legislation seeks to address the resultant budgetary gaps by considering alternative methods of taxation. The committee appointed under this bill will analyze various options to ensure that local governments can maintain sustainable funding without ad valorem revenues.

Summary

House Bill 64 aims to eliminate ad valorem taxes across the state of Texas and establishes a joint interim committee to study the implications and develop alternative taxation methods. This legislation proposes a repeal of Title 1 of the Texas Tax Code, making it clear that neither the state nor any political subdivision may impose ad valorem taxes effective from January 1, 2033. The bill emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study on replacing the revenue that localities would lose if ad valorem taxes are eliminated, with the committee required to report its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2024.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 64 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that removing these types of taxes would alleviate financial burdens on property owners and create a more equitable taxation framework. However, there are concerns from various stakeholders about the feasibility of replacing ad valorem taxes with effective alternative funding that would not disproportionately impact lower-income residents or reduce vital service levels at the local level.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the potential loss of local control over budgetary decisions and the impact on community services that rely heavily on ad valorem tax revenues. Critics of the bill argue that eliminating this tax could lead to a significant reduction in services, particularly in areas like education and public health, which are typically funded by local taxes. The transition to alternative methods of revenue generation also raises concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of such options, particularly regarding the redistribution mechanisms needed to ensure equity across various municipalities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 301. Legislative Organization
  • Section: New Section