Texas House Bill HB87

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the authority of a property owner to request that notice of a protest hearing before the appraisal review board be delivered by certified mail or electronic mail.

Impact

The proposed changes present a significant adjustment to existing procedures that govern how property owners are informed about appraisal hearings. By enabling electronic correspondence, the bill aims to streamline the process and make it more efficient. This amendment can potentially reduce delays in notification and aid property owners in responding more promptly to hearing notices. Furthermore, the bill does allow for the property owner to incur postage costs if they opt for certified mail, which may impact some short-term expenses for residents.

Summary

House Bill 87 seeks to amend the Texas Tax Code specifically regarding the notification processes for property owners during appraisal review protests. The bill allows property owners to request that notice of protest hearings be delivered either by certified mail or electronic mail. This flexibility aims to simplify communication between the property owners and the appraisal review boards, enhancing overall accessibility of the hearing process.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, it may lead to discussions about the adequacy and accessibility of communication methods employed by the appraisal review boards. Advocates of the bill may argue that electronic delivery is essential in an increasingly digital world, providing convenience and efficiency in reaching out to property owners. On the contrary, concerns may arise regarding the guarantee of privacy and security with electronic notices, which could lead to debates about equitable access to information depending on the technological savviness of property owners.