TACO QUARTERLY S
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
ome assume that after the 140-day legislative session, legislators go back to their regular jobs back in the district; they’ll strategize for the next political campaign, assist in local constituent issues, or just live with the laws they passed. Although much of this happens, legislators are still busy with the legislative process. The cost of providing basic government services has increased exponentially with economic and population growth: Texas has seen explosive growth in new businesses being created or relocated to Texas, along with increases in residents. As a result, the legislative process, even when the legislative session ends, still has much life to it and TACO is very much involved in this interim time. We are busier than ever before!
Property Tax Relief: Examine and recommend ways to reduce Texans’ property tax burden. Review and report on proposals to use or dedicate state revenues in excess of the state spending limit to eliminate the school district maintenance and operations property tax. Inflation: Review and report on the effect inflation is having on the business community and state government, including state salaries, retiree benefits, the state economy, and cost of state services. Inflation: Review and report on the impact of inflation on units of local governments’ revenue collections and property taxpayers’ tax bills, including the homestead exemption.
At the end of the legislative session in May, the Speaker of the House and the Lt. Governor provided various “charges” or subject matter for the various House and Senate committees to study, and to take testimony from state agencies, businesses and the general public. These charges often result in committee meetings during the interim period and those hearings may take place at the State Capitol or locations around the state to get maximum input from the general public and interested parties.
SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
Property Tax Reform: Review the effect of Senate Bill 2 (86th Legislature), the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, and related legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Make recommendations for further property tax reform and relief. Appraisal Reform: Review the implementation of Senate Bill 63, House Bill 988, and other related legislation passed by 87th Legislature. Make recommendations to ensure appraisal guidelines are effective and taxpayers have enforcement mechanisms.
It is the expectation that TACO will be involved in some of these interim charges (listed below) and we look forward to member’s input to help craft good public policy as it relates to the RV Park industry.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
SENATE BUSINESS & COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Study and consider methods of providing additional property tax relief, including the use of $3 billion in available American Rescue Plan Act funds that were held for future tax relief by the 87th Legislature, and other sources of revenue.
Electricity: Assess the electricity market in Texas. Study issues impacting the Texas electric grid, including weather preparedness, transmission planning, maintenance scheduling, and the natural gas supply chain. Study the consequences of increased electric vehicle usage and charging on the generation, transmission and distribution, and retail sectors of Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and evaluate their potential impact on increased electric demand and reliability of the grid. Evaluate potential benefits of real-time transparency of the intrastate gas market with respect to the functions of ERCOT and the Texas Energy Reliability Council. Examine the growth of renewable energy generation in the state and evaluate its impact on grid reliability. Make recommendations to strengthen the reliability of the grid, and meet the future generation needs of ERCOT through new and existing dispatchable generation. Assess plans to expeditiously add new dispatchable generation. Monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 3, 87th Legislature.
Explore options to reduce business property tax burdens and options for limiting the growth of property tax bills. 3. Study Texas’ property tax appraisal system and make appropriate recommendations to improve the appraisal system. The study should include: • Assessing the accuracy of appraised values and operational effectiveness of appraisal districts. • Evaluating methods of selecting chief appraisers, appraisal review boards, and appraisal district directors; and • Evaluating existing appraisal protections for taxpayers and ease of taxpayer participation in the appraisal process. TACO Comment: Property tax and appraisal reform is necessary to keep business property taxes at a proper and sustainable level that not only unburdens businesses from high property taxes but also provides the necessary funding for cities and counties to continue to provide necessary services.
TACO Comment: A reliable electric grid is vital to all businesses in Texas, large and small. Affordability and reliability are primary concerns. TACO will monitor and provide input if necessary, regarding the electricity market on travel and tourism in Texas.
continued on next page SUMMER 2022
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