S.B. No. 489 introduces a requirement for employers to provide or contribute to child care costs for their employees in order to qualify for a limitation on the taxable value of their property for school district maintenance and operations ad valorem tax purposes. The bill amends Section 403.612 of the Government Code, specifically by adding a new requirement under Subsection (b)(8-a) that mandates applicants to offer child care benefits. This includes either providing child care through a licensed center operated on-site or contracting with an external center, or covering at least 50% of the employee's child care costs. Additionally, a new Subsection (c-1) specifies that this child care benefit must be provided to eligible employees starting January 1 of the tax year following the creation of 100 or more required jobs at the project site.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which agreements for property tax limitations are made, including the specification of project details, compliance with job and wage requirements, and the execution of performance bonds. The changes introduced by this Act will only apply to agreements entered into after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any prior agreements remain governed by the law in effect at the time they were made.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 403.612 (Government Code 403)