Texas House Bill HB3890

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation and maintenance by an appraisal district of a publicly available Internet database of information regarding protest hearings conducted by the appraisal review board established for the district.

Impact

The creation of this database will significantly change how appraisal districts operate in Texas. By requiring the collection and sharing of specific information on protest hearings, the bill aims to increase accountability and possibly improve public trust in the appraisal process. Local governments will need to adapt to the new requirements, which could involve additional administrative work to ensure compliance by the set deadline. Furthermore, by making this information publicly accessible, the bill could empower property owners with better data to contest appraisals and foster wider participation in the protest process.

Summary

House Bill 3890 aims to enhance transparency in the property appraisal process in Texas by mandating the establishment of a publicly available internet database. This database will be maintained by each appraisal district and will contain crucial information regarding protest hearings conducted by the appraisal review boards. Specifically, it will allow for the tracking of hearings, including the names of board members, dates, property categories, and decisions regarding the appraised values of properties involved in such hearings. The intent is to provide greater oversight and facilitate public access to important property tax-related information.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on transparency, there may be discussions regarding the implications of such a system for local appraisal districts. Concerns could arise around privacy, particularly regarding sensitive information that may be disclosed. Additionally, some may argue about the cost associated with setting up and maintaining the database, questioning if the benefits of increased transparency are worth the potential financial burden on local appraisal districts. Such discussions could reflect broader concerns about government efficiency and the balance between public access to information and safeguarding sensitive data.