S.B. No. 833

AN ACT
relating to the continuation of a residence homestead exemption
from ad valorem taxation while the owner is temporarily absent
because of military service.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 11.13(l), Tax Code, is amended to read as
follows:
(l) A qualified residential structure does not lose its
character as a residence homestead when the owner who qualifies for
the exemption temporarily stops occupying it as a principal
residence if that owner does not establish a different principal
residence and the absence is:
(1) for a period of less than two years and the owner
intends to return and occupy the structure as the owner’s principal
residence; or
(2) caused by the owner’s:
(A) military service inside or outside of the
United States as a member of the armed forces of the United States
or of this state; or
(B) residency in a facility that provides
services related to health, infirmity, or aging.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate          Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 833 passed the Senate on
March 25, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________
Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 833 passed the House on
May 27, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 0, two
present not voting.

______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________
Date

______________________________
Governor