SRC-ARR S.B. 1481 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1481
76R562 JD-DBy: Haywood
Natural Resources
4/14/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, appraisals for ad valorem taxation on agricultural land were
determined using a certain formula, if the land was taken out of
agricultural production and put it into commercial use. S.B. 1481 does away
with the interest only, on roll-back taxes for land being sold and taken
out of agricultural use. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1481 regulates the appraisal of agricultural land for ad
valorem taxation. 

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 Sections 23.46(c) and (d), Tax Code, to delete a
provision requiring interest at the rate provided for delinquent taxes, if
land that has been designated for agricultural use in any year is sold or
diverted to a nonagricultural use. Deletes text regarding interest if the
owner does not file a timely protest or if the final determination of the
protest is that the additional taxes are due, the assessor for each taxing
unit prepares and delivers a bill for the additional taxes. Deletes text
regarding interest when taxes are due. Makes a conforming change, 

SECTION 2. Amends Sections 23.47(c) and (d), Tax Code, to make conforming
changes. 

SECTION 3. Amends Sections 23.55(a), (b), and (e), Tax Code, to delete text
regarding interest at an annual rate of seven percent, if the use of land
that has been appraised as provided by this subchapter has been changed.
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 23.58(c) and (d), Tax Code, to make conforming
changes. 

SECTION 5. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.
                      Effective date: upon passage.