SRC-JEC S.J.R. 47 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 47
By: Gallegos
Intergovernmental Relations
4/9/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current statutes place an ad valorem tax on coffee stored in Texas.  As
proposed, S.J.R. 47 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt green
coffee and raw cocoa held in Harris County from ad valorem taxes in order
to qualify Harris County as an exchange port for coffee on the New York
Board of Trade.   

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 Article VIII, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 1-n,
as follows: 

Sec. 1-n.  (a)  Authorizes the legislature by general law to exempt from ad
valorem taxation raw cocoa and green coffee that is held in Harris County. 

(b)  Authorizes the legislature to impose additional requirements for
qualification for an exemption under this section. 

SECTION 2.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2001.  Requires the
ballot to be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition:  "The
constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad
valorem taxation raw cocoa and green coffee that is held in Harris County."