Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2131

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the treatment of a replacement structure for a structure that was rendered uninhabitable or unusable by a casualty or by wind or water damage as a new improvement for ad valorem tax purposes.

Impact

The modifications proposed by SB2131 are expected to significantly impact how property taxes are assessed following disasters. Under this bill, property owners reliant on disaster recovery programs could benefit from reduced financial strain, thereby supporting community rebuilding efforts. Additionally, the bill could potentially lead to wider adoption of disaster relief strategies, as it provides a financial incentive for homeowners to replace damaged structures without incurring a heavier tax penalty. This could promote enhanced recovery outcomes across affected areas.

Summary

SB2131 addresses the treatment of replacement structures for properties that have been rendered uninhabitable or unusable due to casualties such as wind or water damage. The bill aims to modify the Tax Code so that these replacement structures are not automatically categorized as new improvements for ad valorem tax purposes if specific conditions are met. Essentially, if the replacement structure does not exceed the square footage of the previous one or is of lower quality construction, it won’t be subject to the new improvement tax hike. This provision seeks to ease the tax burden on property owners who are rebuilding after a disaster.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB2131 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who recognize the challenges faced by individuals and communities in the aftermath of disasters. Proponents believe that easing the tax implications for those attempting to rebuild fosters resilience and is a compassionate response to unanticipated hardships. However, there may be concerns from fiscal watchdogs or opponents who worry that such measures could reduce tax revenue needed for public services in these recovering areas.

Contention

Despite the overall support for the bill, there are notable points of contention regarding the definitions of 'improvement' and the parameters set for classifying replacement structures. Some critics argue that the thresholds for square footage and construction quality may be subjective or insufficiently stringent, potentially allowing for loopholes that could be exploited. Additionally, there are concerns that while aiming to assist recovery initiatives, the bill could inadvertently lead to disparities in tax assessments in different regions, depending on the interpretation and implementation of the new provisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB47

Relating to the treatment of a replacement structure for a structure that was rendered uninhabitable or unusable by a casualty, a natural disaster, or wind or water damage as a new improvement for ad valorem tax purposes.

TX H6392

Allows food service businesses to provide temporary outdoor dining whenever building/other structure used for food service rendered uninhabitable by casualty fire/flood for 18 months or the building fit for occupancy sunsetting on 6/30/27.

TX S1139

Allows food service businesses to provide temporary outdoor dining whenever building/other structure used for food service rendered uninhabitable by casualty fire/flood for 18 months or the building fit for occupancy sunsetting on 6/30/27.

TX SB1598

Refund of Taxes for Residential Improvements Rendered Uninhabitable by a Catastrophic Event:

TX HF562

A bill for an act relating to the repair or reconstruction of damaged or destroyed structures.

TX S0786

Improvements to Structures on Agricultural Lands

TX SB1999

Ad valorem tax; authorizing certain owners of manufactured homes, fixed structures and improvements to apply for homestead exemption. Effective date.

TX H0589

Improvements to Structures on Agricultural Lands

TX HB589

Improvements to Structures on Agricultural Lands:

TX SB2968

Ad valorem tax; specify provisions for determining the true value of rural structures.

Similar Bills

NJ S1485

Requires cyclical inspection of parking structures.

NJ S1401

Requires DCA to review and amend State Uniform Construction Code concerning parking structures to address increased weight of electric vehicles.

NJ A1058

Requires DCA to review and amend State Uniform Construction Code concerning parking structures to address increased weight of electric vehicles.

TX SB47

Relating to the treatment of a replacement structure for a structure that was rendered uninhabitable or unusable by a casualty, a natural disaster, or wind or water damage as a new improvement for ad valorem tax purposes.

CA AB1455

State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection: defensible space requirements: ember-resistant zones: emergency regulations: California Environmental Quality Act.

ND HB1500

Nonconforming structures in counties, cities, and townships.

ND HB1500

AN ACT to create and enact sections 11-33-17.1, 40-47-05.1, and 58-03-14.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to nonconforming structures in counties, cities, and townships.