Bill

SB 163

83(R) - 2013
Taxes

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Leticia Van de Putte

Bill Caption

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services of the United States who is killed in action.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB163, As Engrossed: a negative impact of ($94,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 163 would provide a property tax exemption on the residence homestead of a surviving spouse whose husband or wife was an armed service member and was killed in action. To qualify, a spouse must not have remarried and the homestead must be the same residence the spouse shared with the armed service member. However, SB 163 would allow a surviving spouse that has moved from the original residence to receive a property tax exemption in the amount of property tax exemption given to the original residence the spouse shared with the armed services member, if the surviving spouse has not remarried.

Analysis: SB 163 limits government by providing a property tax exemption to surviving spouses, which limits the amount of revenue Texas can take from these individuals. SB 163 also promotes the property rights of surviving spouses by letting them keep more of their resources. We support SB 163.

SB 163 is identical to HB 548, which we also supported because it promotes property rights and limited government.