Texas Senate Bill SB50

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the authority of an appraisal review board to determine the appraised value of property that is the subject of a protest to be an amount greater than the appraised value as shown in the appraisal records.

Impact

The implementation of SB50 would affect Section 41.47 of the Tax Code, fundamentally altering how appraisal review boards handle protests filed by property owners. This change seeks to protect property owners from potential over-assessments during the appeal process and ensures that any adjustments to property valuation must be agreed upon by both the board and the protestor. As a result, it aims to create a more equitable framework for property valuation, which could lead to a potential reduction in disputes between property owners and appraisal districts.

Summary

SB50 addresses the authority of an appraisal review board in Texas concerning property value determinations during tax protests. The bill specifically states that the appraisal review board cannot determine the appraised value of a property in question to be higher than what is already reflected in the appraisal records, unless there is mutual agreement from the involved parties. This amendment aims to provide clarity and fairness in the property appraisal process, ensuring that property owners are not subjected to arbitrary increases in property values during protests.

Contention

While SB50 is positioned as a consumer protection measure, there are arguments surrounding its implications for local government revenue derived from property taxes. Some proponents believe that this bill may hinder the ability of appraisal review boards to appropriately assess property values that can reflect market fluctuations, thus potentially impacting tax revenues. Opponents of the bill argue that the language may inhibit the review board's authority to act flexibly in various situations, which might lead to challenges in addressing specific local appraisal concerns.