By Hilderbran H.B. No. 944
75R4195 SMH-D
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of a residence
1-3 homestead.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. Section 11.13(j)(1), Tax Code, is amended to read
1-6 as follows:
1-7 (1) "Residence homestead" means a structure (including
1-8 a mobile home) or a separately secured and occupied portion of a
1-9 structure (together with the land, not to exceed 20 acres, and
1-10 improvements used in the residential occupancy of the structure, if
1-11 the structure and the land and improvements have identical
1-12 ownership) that:
1-13 (A) is owned by one or more individuals, either
1-14 directly or through a beneficial interest in a qualifying trust;
1-15 (B) is designed or adapted for human residence;
1-16 and
1-17 (C) is used as a residence[; and]
1-18 [(D) is occupied as his principal residence by
1-19 an owner or, for property owned through a beneficial interest in a
1-20 qualifying trust, by a trustor of the trust who qualifies for the
1-21 exemption].
1-22 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 1998.
1-23 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the
1-24 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
2-1 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-2 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-3 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.