81R7116 SMH-D
 
  By: Villarreal H.J.R. No. 75
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing
  body of a municipality to exempt a portion of the value of a
  residence homestead from ad valorem taxation if the homestead meets
  certain energy efficiency standards.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 1-b, Article VIII, Texas Constitution,
  is amended by adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:
         (j)  The governing body of a city or town may exempt from ad
  valorem taxation a portion of the market value of the residence
  homestead of a married or unmarried adult, including one living
  alone, if the homestead meets energy efficiency standards
  prescribed by the governing body. The governing body may provide
  that homesteads constructed in different years must meet different
  energy efficiency standards to be eligible for the exemption and
  may limit the number of years for which a homestead may receive an
  exemption. An eligible adult is entitled to receive other
  applicable exemptions provided by law. Where ad valorem tax has
  previously been pledged for the payment of debt, the governing body
  of a city or town may continue to levy and collect the tax against
  the value of the homesteads exempted under this subsection until
  the debt is discharged if the cessation of the levy would impair the
  obligation of the contract by which the debt was created.
         SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009.
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the
  governing body of a municipality to exempt a portion of the value of
  a residence homestead from ad valorem taxation if the homestead
  meets certain energy efficiency standards."