Mike Toomey Texas Lobbyist 83rd Legislative Session Update HB 561
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/analysis/html/HB00561E.htm
House Bill No. 561 was just passed on April 23rd of 2013, and it will be enacted on September 1st of 2013. The bill amends the Tax Code by allowing a tax exemption for land that is appraised for agricultural use. If the landowner ends up changing the land’s purpose, then they will be required to pay property taxes. This law is similar to those that prevent churches and nonprofits from paying property taxes.