Bill Authored by State Rep. Charles Perry Signed into Law on Final Day of 83rd Legislature

Monday afternoon, before calling a special session, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed a number of bills into law, including one authored by Rep. Charles Perry (R- Lubbock) (pictured, left).

Rep. Perry's bill was House Bill 97. HB 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.

"This legislation removes barriers communities and organizations face when helping out our disabled veterans by taking away the tax burden associated with the gift of a home," Rep. Charles Perry said. "It is important to remember that at a time when most people are pursuing life, liberty and happiness by developing careers and businesses, attending college and obtaining the American dream of home ownership, our service men and women are defending the freedom that allows that very pursuit. They are sacrificing on the battlefields rather than building their own futures. HB 97 begins the process of healing and allows our veterans to focus on their dreams, career and family without the worry of losing their home."

The other bills signed into law on Monday, as described by the Office of the Governor:

Senate Bill 163, authored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and sponsored by Rep. Chris Turner, 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.

Senate Bill 1476, authored by Sen. Royce West and sponsored by Rep. Ralph Sheffield, 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, authored by Rep. Donna Howard and sponsored by Sen. Donna Campbell, 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.