SRC-TBR, CTC S.B. 141 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 141
77R1669 CAS-DBy: Moncrief
Business. & Commerce
3/5/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, to file for a homestead tax exemption in Texas, an individual
must be living at the property as of January 1 of that year.   Some
companies are sending letters to individuals that offer services to file a
homestead exemption for the individual.  Filing with the state is free.  As
proposed S.B. 141 requires that any written advertisement offering to
designate homestead property for a fee contain a disclaimer to prevent any
misrepresentation or misinterpretation. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 41A, Property Code, by adding Section 41.0051, as
follows: 

Sec. 41.0051. DISCLAIMER REQUIRED. Prohibits a person from delivering
written advertisements offering, for a fee, to designate property as a
homestead unless a disclaimer is printed on the advertisement.  Sets forth
certain wording and appearance for the disclaimer. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.