Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced a fifth round of interim charges this time directed to the Finance Committee and Business and Commerce Committee plus charges to a select subcommittee on Property Tax Reform and Relief. Certain charges announced today would have an impact on public education, if recommendations flowing from work on the charges are enacted into law during the upcoming 85th Legislative Session in 2017. Issues covered by the fifth round of interim charges include:
- Property Tax Process: Study the property tax process, including the appraisal system, and recommend ways to promote transparency, simplicity, and accountability by all taxing entities. (Charge to a select subcommittee on Property Tax Reform and Relief)
- Reduce Tax Burden: Examine and develop options to further reduce the tax burden on property owners. (Charge to a select subcommittee on Property Tax Reform and Relief)
- Spending Limit: Examine options and make recommendations for strengthening restriction on appropriations established in Article VIII Section 22 of the state constitution, including related procedures defined in statute. Consider options for ensuring available revenues above spending limit are reserved for tax relief.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Review the budgeting format of other states, such as whether they use strategy-based budgeting, program-based budgeting, or some other approach and discuss the level of transparency with each approach. Review and make recommendations to reduce state debt liabilities, including state pension liability. Consider how to incentivize state agencies, boards, and commissions to identify and realize savings to taxpayers.
- Sales Tax Holiday: Review the state's current sales tax holiday structure and determine its economic benefit to the state. Evaluate and consider the merits of any potential expansion of the tax holiday either in the application of the sales tax exemption or the timing of the holiday.
To access Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s fifth round of interim charges document, click on the link below.
https://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/2015/10/14/lt-governor-patrick-announces-latest-installment-of-interim-charges/