Bill Text: TX SB1079 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to a study regarding ad valorem tax relief through the use of a circuit breaker program.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-03-07 - Referred to Property Tax [SB1079 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-SB1079-Introduced.html

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86R2394 LHC-F
By: Watson S.B. No. 1079

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study regarding ad valorem tax relief through the use
of a circuit breaker program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Circuit breaker program" means a program that
limits the amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed on a
residence homestead based on the owner's annual income.
(2) "Residence homestead" has the meaning assigned by
Section 11.13, Tax Code.
(b) The comptroller shall conduct a study to examine circuit
breaker programs as a means of expanding and protecting the
homestead interests of low-income and moderate-income families.
(c) Before collecting information for purposes of the
study, the comptroller shall establish an advisory committee to
assist the comptroller in conducting the study. The advisory
committee must be composed of representatives of:
(1) school districts and other taxing units;
(2) home builders;
(3) real estate agents;
(4) mortgage lenders;
(5) financial agencies involved in mortgage markets;
(6) organizations interested in housing for
low-income and moderate-income households;
(7) organizations interested in the effect of ad
valorem taxes on low-income and moderate-income households;
(8) organizations interested in the effect of public
policy on low-income and moderate-income households; and
(9) other appropriate, interested organizations or
members of the public, as determined by the comptroller.
(d) The comptroller and the advisory committee shall
analyze the information studied and prepare a report containing the
results of the study conducted under this section.
(e) The comptroller may contract with appraisal districts,
taxing units, or other appropriate organizations for assistance and
to obtain information necessary to conduct the study. A state
agency, appraisal district, or taxing unit shall assist the
comptroller if the comptroller requests information or assistance
in conducting the study.
(f) Not later than December 1, 2020, the comptroller shall
submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the
house of representatives the report prepared under Subsection (d)
of this section.
(g) This section expires September 1, 2021.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.