Senate approves House bill clarifying nonprofit ad valorem exemption in large counties

The Senate passed House Bill 23, which clarifies an existing ad valorem tax exemption for certain nonprofit corporations in populous counties that support agricultural youth and provide educational support to the community.

Senator Paul Bettencourt presented the bill on the floor, saying it "clarifies an already existing tax exemption" for property used by nonprofit organizations in counties with populations over 3,300,000. Bettencourt said the bill was carried over from the House and was unanimously approved by the local government committee before being taken up on the floor.

Senators moved to suspend the regular order of business to consider HB 23. The Senate then passed the bill under suspension and recorded final passage as 26 ayes and 1 nay. The sponsor thanked members for the unanimous committee vote and the chamber for the final passage.

What it does: The floor description presented HB 23 as a clarifying measure to ensure qualifying nonprofit property in large counties receives the ad valorem exemption already intended by statute; the sponsor offered to answer questions but reported no contentious debate on the floor.

Next steps: HB 23 will continue through enrollment and the legislative process toward the governor's desk.