Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2508

Filed
2/5/25  
Out of House Committee
4/17/25  
Voted on by House
4/30/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/22/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/25/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a qualifying condition or disease.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2508 would amend the Texas Tax Code by adding a specific exemption that recognizes the unique circumstances surrounding veterans who die from service-related issues. The legislation emphasizes support for veterans and their families, particularly addressing the need for continued assistance for surviving spouses. This broadens the existing tax benefits available to veterans and their families, allowing surviving spouses to retain financial resources that may otherwise be allocated to property taxes.

Summary

House Bill 2508 seeks to provide a significant tax exemption for the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of certain veterans who died due to qualifying conditions or diseases recognized under federal law. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on these surviving spouses by exempting them from ad valorem taxes on their home, thus ensuring that they can maintain stability after the loss of their partners. This exemption is applicable regardless of when the veteran passed away, as long as the surviving spouse has not remarried since the veteran's death.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears generally supportive, with legislators and advocacy groups recognizing the importance of providing financial relief to families of veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country. There has been a collective acknowledgment of the sacrifices that these individuals have made, and the bill is seen as a step towards honoring that commitment. However, there may also be concerns regarding the fiscal implications of such exemptions on local budgets that rely on property tax revenues.

Contention

While HB 2508 has garnered support, discussions may arise around the adequacy of funding solutions to offset property tax losses for local governments. Some legislators might question whether additional exemptions could lead to increased pressure on public services funded through property taxes. Overall, the discussion balances the need to honor veterans and their families against the need for sustainable public finance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

  • Chapter 11. Taxable Property And Exemptions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: 43
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 42
    • Section: 43
  • Chapter 26. Assessment
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 112
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 112
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 112
    • Section: 112
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 112
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 112
    • Section: 10
    • Section: 112

Government Code

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

Companion Bills

TX HJR133

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1956

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient or the surviving spouse of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

TX HB96

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB68

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB207

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB3973

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB5134

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB215

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.

TX HB4181

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a military service member who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

TX SB1604

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a military service member who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

TX HB50

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a military service member who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

Similar Bills

NJ A254

Permits eligible claimant who is proportionate owner paying entire property tax bill to collect entire homestead property tax reimbursement amount.

NJ A975

Permits eligible claimant who is proportionate owner paying entire property tax bill to collect entire homestead property tax reimbursement amount.

FL H1105

Rescinding a Homestead Exemption Application

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.

MN HF1343

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

FL H0775

Assessment of Homestead Property

NJ A3354

Converts senior freeze reimbursement into credit applied directly to property tax bills.

NJ S259

Converts senior freeze reimbursement into credit applied directly to property tax bills.