88R14517 MLH-D
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4950
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of
  the appraised value of real property that arises from the
  installation in the property of certain energy efficiency-related
  improvements.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 11, Tax Code, is amended by
  adding Section 11.272 to read as follows:
         Sec. 11.272.  ENERGY-EFFICIENT IMPROVEMENTS.  (a)  In this
  section, "energy efficiency-related improvement" means an
  improvement or technology that reduces the amount of energy needed
  to perform the basic functions of a property, including:
               (1)  a high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air
  conditioning system;
               (2)  a central air conditioning demand response
  technology;
               (3)  a high-efficiency heat pump;
               (4)  attic insulation;
               (5)  a radiant barrier;
               (6)  a smart thermostat;
               (7)  a high-efficiency water heater;
               (8)  an electric vehicle charging demand response
  technology;
               (9)  high-efficiency windows; and
               (10)  the sealing or resealing of doors, windows, or
  other openings.
         (b)  A person is entitled to an exemption from taxation of
  the amount of the appraised value of real property owned by the
  person that arises from the installation in the property of an
  energy efficiency-related improvement.
         (c)  The comptroller, with the assistance of the State Energy
  Conservation Office or its successor, shall develop guidelines to
  assist local officials in the administration of this section.
         SECTION 2.  Section 11.43(c), Tax Code, is amended to read as
  follows:
         (c)  An exemption provided by Section 11.13, 11.131, 11.132,
  11.133, 11.134, 11.17, 11.18, 11.182, 11.1827, 11.183, 11.19,
  11.20, 11.21, 11.22, 11.23(a), (h), (j), (j-1), or (m), 11.231,
  11.254, 11.27, 11.271, 11.272, 11.29, 11.30, 11.31, 11.315, or
  11.35, once allowed, need not be claimed in subsequent years, and
  except as otherwise provided by Subsection (e), the exemption
  applies to the property until it changes ownership or the person's
  qualification for the exemption changes. However, except as
  provided by Subsection (r), the chief appraiser may require a
  person allowed one of the exemptions in a prior year to file a new
  application to confirm the person's current qualification for the
  exemption by delivering a written notice that a new application is
  required, accompanied by an appropriate application form, to the
  person previously allowed the exemption. If the person previously
  allowed the exemption is 65 years of age or older, the chief
  appraiser may not cancel the exemption due to the person's failure
  to file the new application unless the chief appraiser complies
  with the requirements of Subsection (q), if applicable.
         SECTION 3.  This Act applies beginning with the 2024 tax
  year.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2024, but only
  if the constitutional amendment proposed by the 88th Legislature,
  Regular Session, 2023, to authorize the legislature to provide for
  an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market
  value of real property that arises from the installation in the
  property of certain energy efficiency-related improvements is
  approved by the voters.  If that amendment is not approved by the
  voters, this Act has no effect.