Bill > HB998

This bill creates a new process for disabled veterans to obtain a preliminary determination about property tax exemption eligibility before purchasing a home. Specifically, a disabled veteran can request from the county's chief appraiser a written assessment of whether a specific property would qualify for a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran's property tax exemption. The request must include the same information that would be required in a formal exemption application. The chief appraiser must respond within 30 days with a preliminary determination, though this determination does not guarantee the actual exemption will be granted. Additionally, mortgage and title insurance companies are required to consider this preliminary determination when deciding whether to extend credit to the veteran and in calculating the closing costs. The bill defines key terms like "disabled veteran" and "residence homestead" by referencing existing statutory definitions, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The purpose appears to be helping disabled veterans more easily understand potential property tax benefits before completing a home purchase.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB998