H.B. No. 2508 proposes an exemption from ad valorem taxation for the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died due to a qualifying condition or disease. The bill introduces Section 11.136 to the Tax Code, defining key terms such as "qualifying condition or disease," which refers to conditions recognized under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022. It specifies that a surviving spouse is entitled to a full exemption from taxation on their residence homestead, provided they have not remarried since the veteran's death. The exemption applies regardless of the date of the veteran's death, and surviving spouses can also receive an exemption for any subsequent residence homestead they qualify for.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Tax Code to include the new exemption under Section 11.136, ensuring that it is treated similarly to existing exemptions. It clarifies that the exemption is effective from January 1 of the tax year in which the individual qualifies and outlines the process for calculating taxes on properties that qualify for this exemption. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, contingent upon the approval of a related constitutional amendment by voters. If the amendment is not approved, the act will have no effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 11.42, Tax Code 11.43, Tax Code 26.10, Tax Code 26.112 (Tax Code 11, Tax Code 26)
House Committee Report: Tax Code 11.42, Tax Code 11.43, Tax Code 26.10, Tax Code 26.112 (Tax Code 11, Tax Code 26)
Engrossed: Tax Code 11.42, Tax Code 11.43, Tax Code 26.10, Tax Code 26.112 (Tax Code 11, Tax Code 26)
Senate Committee Report: Tax Code 11.42, Tax Code 11.43, Tax Code 26.10, Tax Code 26.112 (Tax Code 11, Tax Code 26)
Enrolled: Tax Code 11.42, Tax Code 11.43, Tax Code 26.10, Tax Code 26.112 (Tax Code 11, Tax Code 26)