BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 428
                                                     By: Galloway
                                                          Finance
                                                         04-07-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Currently, Chapter 11 of the Tax Code provides an ad valorem tax
exemption to charitable organizations engaged in the promotion or
operation of a dramatic arts theater, symphony, orchestra, or a
choir.  

The Cynthia Woods Pavilion is a performing arts theater which is
currently receiving a property tax exemption.  The addition of a
performing arts theater to Chapter 11 would clarify the authority
of this exemption and is the only facility identified that would be
affected by this change.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 428 creates a tax exemption for a charitable
organization that promotes or operates a performing arts theater as
a charitable function.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 11.18(d), Tax Code, to include, among
others, the promotion or operation of a performing arts theater in
the charitable functions for which a charitable organization is
organized to perform.

SECTION 2. Effective date: January 1, 1996.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.