SRC-JXG S.B. 779 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 779 76R3211 SMH-DBy: Madla Intergovernmental Relations 3/15/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law does not allow the county tax assessor collector to accept tax payments electronically. However, the State of Texas may require businesses making large tax payments to the state to be paid electronically. S.B. 779 would authorize the county tax assessor collector to require banks and mortgage companies making aggregate payments in excess of a certain amount to transfer funds electronically. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 779 authorizes banks and mortgage companies making aggregate payments in excess of a certain amount to transfer funds electronically to the county tax assessor collector. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 31.01(c), Tax Code, to require the tax bill or a separate statement accompanying the tax bill, if the taxing unit requires payment by electronic funds transfer, to state that the tax to be paid by that means and, if the taxing unit charges a processing fee for an electronic funds transfer, state the amount of the fee and the manner of payment. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 31.06, Tax Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e), to authorize a collector to accept a check or money order in payment of taxes, and to accept payment by credit card or electronic funds transfer. Authorizes a collector to require payment by electronic funds transfer, if the taxes exceed an amount determined by the governing body of the taxing unit. Authorizes the collector to collect a fee for processing the payment in a reasonable amount set by the governing body of the taxing unit, if a tax is paid by electronic funds transfer. Provides that the fee is in addition to the amount of taxes, penalties, and interest, and may be paid by electronic funds transfer at the same time the taxes, penalties, and interest are paid. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.