Under the Dome

Property Tax Relief (SB 1760): Standing strong for taxpayer rights was a promise I made to the citizens of Senate District 4. My signature property tax relief legislation, SB 1760, levels the playing field for Texas Taxpayers. I'm thankful my Senate colleagues voted to pass this landmark legislation yesterday.

Below are a few highlights of the bill:
 

• Taxpayers due a refund will no longer have to apply to receive it.
• It provides interest rate equality for taxpayers by increasing the interest rate on refunds due to taxpayers to 9.5%.
• It requires local taxing entities (applies to school districts and all other taxing jurisdictions) to justify the necessity of a tax increase on notices and election ballots.
• It allows a court hearing on appraisal dispute to give preference to the testimony of an independent licensed appraiser.
• And, requires the Texas Comptroller to compile and annually publish a ranked list of tax rates by entity; deterring tax rate increases.

Creighton's Legislation Station

Second Amendment Sales-Tax Weekend (SB 228): Yesterday, the Senate Bill 228 passed the Texas Senate. This legislation establishes a tax-free weekend would take place in advance of the fall hunting season, which begins on September 1st. Since 2009, retailers in east and southeast Texas have been at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to their Louisiana counterparts. Louisiana, among other states, adopted a sales tax holiday similar to the one we've passed today in the Senate. Providing this sales tax break prior to the start of hunting season will be an economic driver for small businesses and will provide our hunters much deserved savings. I am pleased to encourage and  improve opportunities for all Texans to enjoy their Second Amendment rights.