TAA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The bill also changes the timeframe for rolling back taxes on property converted from agricultural use to three years instead of five years and eliminates interest on those taxes , if paid timely .
Tax setting following a disaster / pandemic SB 1438 by Bettencourt / Meyer
This legislation updates the truth-in-taxation tax rate-setting provisions for disasters and pandemics .
GENERAL BUSINESS LEGISLATION Legislation supported by TAA ( SB 14 by Sen . Brandon Creighton ( R-Conroe )/ Rep . Phil King ( R-Weatherford ) to preempt local regulation of employment benefits and policies failed as time ran out in the session despite agreement between House and Senate conferees . However , lawmakers did pass two major tort reform bills that the association supported .
Pandemic liability protection SB 6 by Hancock / Leach
This bill extends liability protections for premises owners , product manufacturers and health care providers during a pandemic emergency .
AFFORDABLE HOUSING While HB 3833 ( see property tax issues ) will help provide some consistency for property taxes for the treatment of certain tax credit properties , no major housing legislation passed this session .
DEVELOPMENT No bills TAA opposed passed .
Natural gas HB 17 by Deshotel / Birdwell
Preempts local ordinances that would prohibit or restrict the use of certain utility services and infrastructure , such as natural gas .
Building code HB 738 by Paul / Nichols
This bill adopts the 2012 versions of the International Residential Code ( IRC ) and International Building Code ( IBC ) as the municipal residential and commercial building codes in Texas . ( Currently , it is the 2001 IRC and IBC , and cities may adopt more recent versions .)
Cities could amend the codes by ordinance after a hearing . The updated codes would apply only to construction , alteration or repair that began under an agreement made on or after Jan . 1 , 2022 .
Swimming pool code HB 2205 by Romero , Jr ./ Schwertner
This bill requires the Texas Department of State Health Services to use the 2018 or later version of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code for design , construction , alteration , remodeling and repair of swimming pools .
Lien law revision HB 2237 by Burrows / Johnson
Comprehensive agreed-to revision of the process for mechanic ’ s , materialman ’ s and contractor ’ s liens , including statutes regarding the deadlines to file affidavits to claim a lien , the limitation period for bringing suit to foreclose a lien and deadlines for notices of certain claims . Special session ( s ) ahead
Gov . Greg Abbott has publicly indicated that he intends to call at least two special sessions — one to deal with “ issues that did not get across the finish line ,” including bail reform and voting / election procedures , as well as a second session focused on redistricting and allocation of federal COVID-19 relief funds .
Special sessions are limited to 30 days , and the legislature may only act on items that have been put on the agenda by the governor .
Article reprinted from the TAA Summer Magazine with permission