Texas House Bill HB950

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

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

If enacted, HB 950 would directly affect property tax assessments across Texas. The amendment would safeguard against potential increases in appraised values during protests, which could have financial implications for property owners. By preventing appraisal review boards from raising values, the bill aims to instill more fairness in property tax assessments, which could lead to a more consistent and predictable property tax environment for homeowners and businesses alike.

Summary

House Bill 950 seeks to amend the Tax Code in Texas by restricting the authority of appraisal review boards. The main provision of the bill establishes that these boards cannot determine the appraised value of a property in a protest to be higher than the value reflected in the appraisal records provided by the chief appraiser. This change serves to protect property owners during the appraisal protest process, ensuring that they cannot face inflated valuations during disputes over their property taxes.

Contention

The bill's introduction may lead to debates regarding the balance between local appraisal review boards' authority and property owner rights. Supporters of HB 950 argue that it promotes transparency and fairness in the appraisal process, ensuring that property owners are not subjected to arbitrary increases in their property valuations. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the potential impacts on local revenue generation and the ability of appraisal authorities to make accurate assessments based on broader market conditions.