85S10182 LHC-D
	By: Metcalf	H.B. No. 159

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the rate at which interest accrues in connection with
	the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on
	certain residence homesteads.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Section 33.06(d), Tax Code, is amended to read as
	follows:
	(d)  A tax lien remains on the property and interest
	continues to accrue during the period collection of taxes is
	deferred or abated under this section. The annual interest rate
	during the deferral or abatement period is five [eight] percent
	instead of the rate provided by Section 33.01. Interest and
	penalties that accrued or that were incurred or imposed under
	Section 33.01 or 33.07 before the date the individual files the
	deferral affidavit under Subsection (b) or the date the judgment
	abating the suit is entered, as applicable, are preserved. A
	penalty under Section 33.01 is not incurred during a deferral or
	abatement period. The additional penalty under Section 33.07 may
	be imposed and collected only if the taxes for which collection is
	deferred or abated remain delinquent on or after the 181st day after
	the date the deferral or abatement period expires. A plea of
	limitation, laches, or want of prosecution does not apply against
	the taxing unit because of deferral or abatement of collection as
	provided by this section.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies only to interest that accrues
	during a deferral or abatement period on or after the effective date
	of this Act, regardless of whether the deferral or abatement period
	began before that date or begins on or after that date. Interest
	that accrued during a deferral or abatement period before the
	effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the
	interest accrued, and that law is continued in effect for that
	purpose.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2018.