Thirty bills passed during the last regular legislative session that will impact every Texan. These bills went into effect on Jan. 1 of 2024.
Several bills, according to Senator Lois Kolkhorst, deal with seniors and exemptions. However, among the most sweeping policies is Senate Bill 17.
SB 17 dissolves the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offic es in public universities. This bill prohibits diversity statements in the hiring processes and universities will no longer offer training on diversity for its faculty and staff.
Senator Kolkhorst notes three bills regarding seniors who are 65 and over.
SB 1381, which allows certain tax exemptions on homes to carry over to their spouse after a 65plus person passes away. House Bill 4077 removes the need to apply for homestead exemptions for senior homeowners and makes it the responsibility of the local appraisal district.
HB 2354 benefits Texas land owners. This bill leaves property to a spouse if the landowner passes, and the land will not be considered as having transferred ownership for tax purposes.
