SB 32 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income and a franchise tax credit for the payment of certain related ad valorem taxes.

SB 32 would create a $25,000 property tax exemption for businesses owning or leasing tangible personal property (like equipment or tools) used to generate income. This exemption applies to each business location within a taxing unit, with property at the same location being combined to determine eligibility. Businesses leasing equipment would receive the same exemption as if they owned it. The bill affects Texas businesses that use physical assets to produce income, reducing their local property tax burden on those assets.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 14, 2025 Last action Apr 22, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Engrossed · 7 edits · Apr 9, 2025
MODERATE
SB 32 was updated from an introduced draft to its final engrossed version, incorporating substantive changes to tax exemptions for income-producing tangible personal property and a new franchise tax credit for inventory tax liability. The bill now includes clearer formatting, updated section numbering, and expanded provisions for how businesses must report property values and claim tax credits. These changes ensure the legislation is ready for voter approval and implementation.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on Texas tax law, specifically expanding exemptions for small businesses holding income-producing property and creating a new franchise tax credit program for inventory-related ad valorem taxes. The applicability now includes more detailed reporting requirements for related business entities and unified business enterprises.
REQUIREMENT

Added new Section 1.04 defining 'inventory' for tax purposes, clarifying what items count as inventory versus other tangible personal property.

FISCAL

Created a new franchise tax credit program (Subchapter N) allowing businesses to receive up to 20% of ad valorem taxes paid on inventory, with a $500 million annual cap.

ELIGIBILITY

Updated eligibility criteria for the $25,000 property tax exemption, clarifying rules for related business entities and unified business enterprises.

ENFORCEMENT

Added new requirements for tax forms to include checkboxes for related business entities and those electing not to render property for taxation.

TIMELINE

Set the effective date for the ad valorem tax exemption to January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a constitutional amendment.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'inventory' in multiple sections, including specific exclusions for dealer motor vehicles, vessels, heavy equipment, and manufactured housing.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting issues, section numbering, and removed placeholder text from the introduced version to create the final engrossed bill text.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
26
Key actions
6
Committee
7
Apr 22, 2025
Committee
Referred to Ways & Means
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Apr 10, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
upper
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Local Government
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
2 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors