Information courtesy of Governor Rick Perry:
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today observed Memorial Day by signing Senate Bill 163, House Bill 97, Senate Bill 1476 and House Bill 1514, which provide important resources and support to veterans and surviving spouses of members of the military who have been killed in action.
Senate Bill 163 grants a total property tax exemption to the surviving spouse of a member of the military killed in action. The spouse may transfer the actual dollar amount of the exemption to new property, as long as they have not remarried. The exemption is contingent upon voter approval of the related constitutional amendment, HJR 62.
House Bill 97 grants a partial property tax exemption to veterans who are partially disabled and have had a home donated to them by a charitable organization. A veteran’s surviving spouse would be allowed to continue to claim the exemption if they have not remarried and may transfer the actual dollar amount of the exemption to a new property.
Senate Bill 1476 lays the foundation to create a veteran entrepreneur program to help veterans better understand the resources and services available from federal and state agencies by providing seminars, conferences and workshops.
House Bill 1514 provides World War II veterans with veteran plates that allow them to receive privileged parking benefits. These benefits include using most parking meters free of charge and better access to handicap parking spaces. Currently these benefits are only extended to certain veterans and recipients of military awards, such as the Purple Heart and Congressional Medal of Honor.