Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 63 amends the Tax Code to establish a franchise tax credit, subject to certain conditions, for a corporation that hires a blind or disabled person who, when hired, is a recipient of social security disability insurance benefits or is eligible for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability or blindness. The credit applies to hirings beginning 2002, if the position is located or based in Texas and the employee remains continuously employed with the corporation in a Texas position for at least six months. Also, for the credit to apply, the employee must work an average of at least 20 hours a week, earn at least the minimum wage, and receive the same benefits as the employer's other workers. The credit is 10 percent of the employee's wage for the first two years of employment in a Texas position. However, the total credit claimed for each privileged period may not exceed 50 percent of the net franchise tax owed for that period.