BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1029

By: Huffman

Ways & Means

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The value associated with the installation or construction of solar or wind-powered energy devices used primarily for on-site energy production and use is exempted from property taxation. Texans are now investing in self-generation systems like solar and wind and are financing these self-generation devices through a variety of financing methods, such as purchase, loan, or lease. S.B. 1029 seeks to provide clarification that all solar devices qualify for the existing tax exemption regardless of how the device is financed.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1029 amends the Tax Code to entitle a person to a property tax exemption of the appraised value of a solar or wind-powered energy device that is installed or constructed on real property regardless of whether the person owns the real property if the following conditions are met:

·       the device is owned by the person; and

·       the device is primarily for production and distribution of energy for on-site use.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.