TITLE 34.PUBLIC FINANCE

Part 1. COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

Chapter 3. TAX ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter F. MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX

34 TAC §3.84

The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes amendments to §3.84, concerning exemption for orthopedically handicapped person. The proposed amendments make the rule consistent with legislative changes effective October 1, 2003 concerning the time period during which modifications allowed under the exemption must be completed. A new subsection (e) is added accordingly. The amendments also clarify in subsection (d) what documentation is necessary to claim the exemption. The definitions in subsection (a) clarify what types of modifications are covered by the exemption and what it means for any motor vehicle to be primarily driven by, or primarily used to transport, an orthopedically handicapped person. Additional non-substantive changes, including the adding of a new subsection (c) relating to persons eligible for the exemption, are made for clarity.

John Heleman, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, there will be no significant revenue impact on the state or units of local government.

Mr. Heleman also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be in identifying the tax responsibilities of sellers and purchasers of motor vehicles modified for orthopedically handicapped persons. This rule is adopted under Tax Code, Title 2, and does not require a statement of fiscal implications for small businesses. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Bryant K. Lomax, Manager, Tax Policy Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711.

This amendment is proposed under Tax Code, §111.002, which provides the comptroller with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of Tax Code, Title 2.

The amendment implements Tax Code §152.086.

§3.84.Exemption for Orthopedically Handicapped Person.

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) A motor vehicle modified for operation by an orthopedically handicapped person is:

(A) a vehicle that has been specially modified by altering such items as the conventional brake, acceleration, or steering systems to facilitate the operation of the vehicle by an orthopedically handicapped driver; or

(B) a vehicle that has been specially modified by installing such items as a wheelchair lift, hoist, or attached ramp to allow an orthopedically handicapped driver to enter the vehicle.

(2) [ (1) ] A motor [ Motor ] vehicle modified for [ the ] transportation of an orthopedically handicapped person--A vehicle that [ which ] has been specially modified by the installation of such items as [ either ] a wheelchair lift, hoist, attached [ or ] ramp, [ or ] wheelchair hold-down clamps, or special seat restraints other than conventional seat belts to allow for the transportation of an orthopedically handicapped person in a reasonable manner .

[ (2) Motor vehicle modified for operation by an orthopedically handicapped person--]

[ (A) a vehicle which has been specially modified by altering conventional brake, acceleration, or steering systems to facilitate the operation of the vehicle by an orthopedically handicapped driver; or]

[ (B) a vehicle which has been modified by installing a wheelchair lift, hoist, or ramp to allow an orthopedically handicapped driver to enter the vehicle.]

(3) Orthopedically handicapped person--An individual who has limited movement of body extremities and/or loss of physical functions. The physical impairment must be such that the person is either unable to operate, or be transported in a reasonable manner in, a motor vehicle that [ which ] has not been specially modified.

(b) Vehicles exempted. A motor vehicle is exempt from sales and use tax if:

[ (1) There are exempted from motor vehicle sales and use tax the use and the receipts from the sale of a motor vehicle that]:

(1) [ (A) ] it has been or will be modified for operation by, or for the transportation of, a person who is [ an ] orthopedically handicapped at the time of purchase [ person ]; and

(2) [ (B) ] is primarily driven by, or primarily used for the transportation of, an orthopedically handicapped person.

(c) [ (2) ] Eligible purchasers. An individual, partnership, corporation, or association may purchase a vehicle under this exemption if the requirements of this section [ specified in paragraphs (1)(A) and (B) of this subsection ] are satisfied.

(d) [ (c) ] Documentation required for exemption.

(1) Motor vehicle [ Vehicle ] modified for operation by an orthopedically handicapped person [ persons ]. A person claiming this exemption must present to the county assessor and collector of taxes:

(A) a restricted Texas driver's license which requires a modification restriction on the vehicle and verifies that the orthopedically handicapped driver is so physically impaired as to be unable to operate a motor vehicle which has not been modified; or

(B) an invoice or other appropriate document from an installer of special equipment which describes both the modification and the vehicle being modified.

(2) A motor vehicle [ Vehicles ] modified for transportation of an [ transporting of ] orthopedically handicapped person. A person claiming this exemption must present to the county assessor and collector of taxes a copy of a prescription or statement from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts identifying the adaptive devices and/or modifications that are necessary to reasonably transport the orthopedically handicapped person or an invoice or other document from an installer of special equipment. The invoice or document must describe modification and the vehicle being modified for transporting an orthopedically handicapped person.

(3) Alternate documentation. If the documentation is unavailable at the time of registration, the person claiming this exemption must present a sworn statement describing the modification to be made and the installer who will be making the modification. This sworn statement should be made on the seller, donor, or trader's affidavit form.

(e) Time period to complete modifications. Modifications to motor vehicles purchased on or after October 1, 2003 must be completed within two years of the date of purchase or the exemption is invalid.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 30, 2006.

TRD-200603531

Martin Cherry

Chief Deputy General Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0387


Chapter 5. FUNDS MANAGEMENT (FISCAL AFFAIRS)

Subchapter C. CLAIMS PROCESSING--TRAVEL VOUCHERS

34 TAC §5.22

The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes amendments to §5.22, concerning incorporation by reference: "State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide."

The amendments are necessary because of the issuance of a new "State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide" by the comptroller in June 2006. The new guide reflects changes made by the 79th Legislature, 2005, to the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act. The new guide also includes policy changes that are intended to promote efficiency and eliminate ambiguities concerning the travel of state officers and employees. Chapter 9 of the new guide lists the major differences between it and the previous guide. A copy of the new guide is available upon request from Claims Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711.

John Heleman, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment will be in effect, there will be no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of the state or local governments.

Mr. Heleman also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the amendment will be helping ensure that the travel expenses incurred by state officers and employees are paid or reimbursed in accordance with applicable law. The proposed amendment would not have an adverse effect on small businesses or micro-businesses. There is no significant economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be addressed to Joani Bishop, Manager, Claims Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711. If a person wants to ensure that the comptroller considers and responds to a comment made about this proposal, then the person must ensure that the comptroller receives the comment not later than the 30th day after the issue date of the Texas Register in which this proposal appears. If the 30th day is a state or national holiday, Saturday, or Sunday, then the first workday after the 30th day is the deadline.

The amendments are proposed under Government Code, §660.021, which requires the comptroller to adopt rules to administer the Travel Regulations Act and the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act.

The amendments implement Government Code, §403.248 and §660.001 - 660.208. The amendments also implement the following provisions of the General Appropriations Act: Article III, Sections 7, 9, and 12; Article IV, Section 9(a); Article IX, Sections 4.04(a), (e) - (f), 5.01 - 5.08, 6.19(b) - (c); Rider 31 in the appropriations to the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Rider 5 in the appropriations to the Department of Banking; Rider 3 in the appropriations to the Department of Criminal Justice; Rider 5 in the appropriations to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the University of Houston System Administration; Rider 7 in the appropriations to the Department of Insurance; Rider 7 in the appropriations to the Texas Lottery Commission; Rider 3 in the appropriations to Midwestern State University; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the University of North Texas System Administration; Rider 18 in the appropriations to the Department of Public Safety; Rider 3 in the appropriations to the Racing Commission; Rider 3 in the appropriations to the Savings and Loan Department; Rider 9 in the appropriations to the secretary of state; Rider 14 in the appropriations to the Department of State Health Services; Rider 3 in the appropriations to Stephen F. Austin State University; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the Texas River Compact Commissions; Rider 9 in the appropriations to the Teacher Retirement System; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the Texas A&M University System Administrative and General Offices; Rider 4 in the appropriations to Texas Southern University; Rider 3 in the appropriations to Texas State Technical College System Administration; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the Board of Regents, Texas State University System Central Office; Rider 3 in the appropriations to The University of Texas System Administration; Rider 2 in the appropriations to Texas Tech University System Administration; Rider 3 in the appropriations to Texas Woman's University; and Rider 27 in the appropriations to the Texas Workforce Commission.

§5.22.Incorporation by Reference: "State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide".

The "State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide," which was issued by the comptroller in June 2006 [ October 2004 ] and filed with the secretary of state, is incorporated by reference as a section. The guide is published by the comptroller in Austin, Texas, and copies may be obtained from the comptroller upon request.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 28, 2006.

TRD-200603487

Martin Cherry

Chief Deputy General Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0387