AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
As proposed, S.B. 52 provides much needed financial relief to college students who are struggling to meet the rising costs of higher education by allowing them to purchase textbooks tax-free during the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.
Generally, this bill provides financial relief to college students and university students by allowing full-time or part-time students at Texas public or private institutions of higher education to buy textbooks tax-free for the fall and spring semesters, during a ten-day period following the first weekend in January and a ten-day period following the first weekend in August.
As proposed, S.B. 52 amends current law relating to exempting books purchased by university and college students from the sales tax for a limited period.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 151, Tax Code, by adding Section 151.3211, as follows:
Sec. 151.3211. BOOKS PURCHASED BY UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR LIMITED PERIOD. (a) Provides that the sale of a book is exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter if:
(1) the book is bought by a full-time or part-time student enrolled at a institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003 (Definitions), Education Code, or a private or independent college or university that is located in this state and that is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency under Section 61.003, Education Code; and
(2) the sale takes place during a period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the third Friday in August and ending at 12 midnight on the second following Sunday, or beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the second Friday in January and ending at 12 midnight on the second following Sunday.
(b) Authorizes a person to establish that the person is a full-time or part-time student by presenting a valid student identification card.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: July 1, 2011 or October 1, 2011.