Bill

HB 706

84(R) - 2015
House Ways & Means
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Ways & Means
Energy
Taxation

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Jessica Farrar

Bill Caption

Relating to the procedure for claiming an exemption from ad valorem taxation of property on which a solar or wind-powered energy device is installed or constructed.

Fiscal Notes

A fiscal note dated May 6, 2015 anticipates no significant implication to the State or units of local government.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, when certain exemptions from ad valorem taxation of property are claimed once, they do not need to be claimed in subsequent years.

House Bill 706 would amend Section 11.43 (c) of the Tax Code to add the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property related to the installation of solar and wind-powered energy devices (Section 11.27) to the list of exemptions that an individual does not need to claimed in subsequent years once allowed.


The second chamber sponsor is Senator Huffman.

Vote Recommendation Notes

House Bill 706 would not make any changes to the taxation system or to current exemptions.

House Bill 706 would only add the exemption on from ad valorem taxation of property related to the installation of solar and wind-powered energy devices (Section 11.27 of the Tax Code) to the list of exemptions that, once allowed, do not need to be claimed in subsequent years, unless the property on which the exemption applies changes ownership or no longer qualifies for the exemption.

This will streamline the process on the side of property owners who already qualify for this exemption. We support House Bill 706 for limiting government.

This is an entirely procedural bill which would amend the process for property owners claiming a tax exemption which they've already qualified for. It does not create a new tax exemption. Our support for improving the efficiency of government procedures should not be confused with support for special interest subsidies that are ultimately paid for by the taxpayers. In the long run, it would be better to get rid of this tax exemption altogether.