BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.J.R. 29
By: Carona et al.
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Veterans with service-related injuries receive a disability rating ranging from zero to 100. Based on these ratings, the state provides veterans a sliding scale exemption from certain ad valorem property taxes.
S.J.R. 29 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the exemption from ad valorem property taxes of the homestead residence of a disabled veteran who receives a rating of "100 percent disabled" or "totally disabled."
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 1-b, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, by adding Subsection (i), as follows:
(i) Authorizes the legislature by general law to exempt from ad valorem taxation all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of a disabled veteran who is certified as having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of 100 percent or totally disabled and to provide additional eligibility requirements for the exemption. Defines "disabled veteran."
SECTION 2. Amends Subsection (b), Section 2, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, as follows:
(b) Authorizes a veteran having a disability rating of not less than 10 percent but less, rather than nor more, than 30 percent to be granted an exemption from taxation for property valued at up to $5,000. Authorizes a veteran having a disability rating of not less, rather than more, than 30 percent but less, rather than not more, than 50 percent to be granted an exemption from taxation for property valued at up to $7,500. Authorizes a veteran having a disability rating of not less, rather than more, than 50 percent but less, rather than not more, than 70 percent to be granted an exemption from taxation for property valued at up to $10,000. Authorizes a veteran who has a disability rating of 70 percent or more, rather than more than 70 percent, to be granted an exemption from taxation for property valued at up to $12,000. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3. Adds the following temporary provision to the Texas Constitution:
TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) Provides that this temporary provision applies to the constitutional amendment proposed by the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled and expires January 1, 2009.
(b) Provides that the amendments to Sections 1-b and 2(b), Article VIII, of this constitution take effect January 1, 2008, and apply only to a tax year beginning on or after that date.
SECTION 4. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2007. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.