State Representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin has introduced legislation that, if approved, will alter a burdensome property tax law that directly affects members of the United States Armed Forces.

House Bill 276 seeks to amend the state tax code for the purpose of allowing deployed military members to keep an agricultural exemption on their land, if they plan to continue using the land for agricultural activities at the conclusion of their deployment.

Rep. Ashby said our brave men and women deserve our respect and gratitude, not the burden of higher taxes and reapplying for the agriculture exemption upon their return home.

Currently, many military members lose their exemption due to the nature and timing of their deployments.