Relating to the repeal of provisions authorizing certain taxing units in the year following the year in which a disaster occurs to adopt an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate without holding an election to approve the adopted tax rate; making conforming changes.
Impact
If enacted, HB 763 would lead to stricter guidelines for taxing units regarding the adoption of ad valorem tax rates, specifically in disaster scenarios. The measure aims to enhance accountability by requiring taxing units to hold elections for rate increases beyond the established limits, thereby providing taxpayers with a voice in decisions that affect their financial obligations. This could result in decreased revenues for impacted taxing units in the immediate aftermath of disasters, as they would no longer be able to unilaterally raise tax rates.
Summary
House Bill 763 seeks to repeal provisions that currently allow certain taxing units to adopt an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate in the year following a disaster without conducting an election. The bill proposes amendments to the Education Code and Tax Code, intending to tighten the regulations on how taxing units can set their tax rates post-disaster. It clarifies the calculation of voter-approval tax rates while removing the exemptions that permitted higher rates following disaster declarations.
Contention
The bill may generate debates over fiscal responsibility and local governance. Proponents argue that requiring elections for tax rate increases protects taxpayers from unexpected financial burdens, ensuring that taxation is more democratic and transparent. Conversely, critics may contend that this could hinder local governments' ability to respond swiftly to urgent funding needs for recovery and services immediately following disasters, potentially limiting their effectiveness in addressing the needs of affected communities.
Same As
Relating to the repeal of provisions authorizing certain taxing units in the year following the year in which a disaster occurs to adopt an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate without holding an election to approve the adopted tax rate; making conforming changes.
Identical
Relating to the effect of a disaster and associated costs to remove debris or wreckage on the calculation of certain tax rates and the procedure for adoption of a tax rate by a taxing unit.
Same As
Relating to the effect of a disaster and associated costs on the calculation of certain tax rates and the procedure for adoption of a tax rate by a taxing unit.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit and the manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate is approved; making conforming changes.
Relating to the vote required in an election to approve an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds a taxing unit's voter-approval tax rate; making conforming changes.
Relating to the vote required in an election to approve an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds a taxing unit's voter-approval tax rate; making conforming changes.
Relating to the vote required in an election to approve an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds a taxing unit's voter-approval tax rate; making conforming changes.
Relating to the vote required in an election to approve an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds a taxing unit's voter-approval tax rate; making conforming changes.
Relating to the calculation of the voter-approval tax rate of certain counties and the procedure for the adoption by such a county of a tax rate that exceeds that rate; making conforming changes.
Relating to the effect of an election at which the voters fail to approve or vote to reduce the ad valorem tax rate adopted by the governing body of a taxing unit.