By: Leach, Button, et al. H.B. No. 129

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for certain veterans and military service members and their families.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. INTERIM COMMITTEE. (a) An interim committee is established to study property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran. The study may also review property tax exemptions and benefits for other veterans and military service members and their families.

(b) The committee is composed of:

(1) three persons appointed by the lieutenant governor, at least one of whom is a military service member or veteran;

(2) three persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, at least one of whom is a military service member or veteran; and

(3) three persons appointed by the governor, at least one of whom is a military service member or veteran.

SECTION 2. STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) The committee shall conduct a study and make recommendations regarding:

(1) the effect of property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans, the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran, military service members and veterans and their families that are currently authorized by law; and

(2) the need for other property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans, surviving spouses of partially disabled veterans, military service members and veterans and their families.

(b) In conducting the study, the committee shall consider the effect of property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran, military service members, veterans and their families on the ability of political subdivisions of this state to raise sufficient revenue to provide essential services.

SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2018, the committee shall report the results of the study and any recommendations to the legislature.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires December 1, 2019.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.