83R6631 TJB-F
 
  By: Bohac H.B. No. 2500
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of solar
  energy property.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 23, Tax Code, is amended by
  adding Section 23.26 to read as follows:
         Sec. 23.26.  SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY. (a) In this section,
  "solar energy property" has the meaning assigned to "solar energy
  device" by Section 11.27(c)(1) and includes commercial storage
  devices, power conditioning equipment, transfer equipment, and
  necessary parts for the devices and equipment.
         (b)  The chief appraiser shall use the cost method of
  appraisal to determine the market value of solar energy property.
         (c)  To determine the market value of solar energy property
  using the cost method of appraisal, the chief appraiser shall:
               (1)  use cost data obtained from generally accepted
  sources;
               (2)  make any appropriate adjustment for physical,
  functional, or economic obsolescence; and
               (3)  calculate the depreciated value of the property by
  using a useful life that does not exceed five years.
         SECTION 2.  This Act applies only to an ad valorem tax year
  that begins on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2014.