Texas Senate Bill SB1735

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of a person to serve on the appraisal review board of certain appraisal districts.

Impact

The legislation could significantly influence the composition of appraisal review boards, particularly in counties with populations of one million or more. By enforcing stricter eligibility requirements, SB1735 aims to prevent conflicts of interest among board members, which could foster greater public trust in the property appraisal process. The intent is to ensure that board members have no recent ties to the appraisal district, thereby promoting unbiased decision-making during property value assessments.

Summary

Senate Bill 1735 aims to amend the state Tax Code regarding the eligibility criteria for individuals wishing to serve on the appraisal review board of certain appraisal districts in Texas. This bill introduces specific restrictions on who can be appointed to these boards, emphasizing transparency and impartiality in property tax assessments. The revisions to Section 6.412(d) delineate particular disqualifications, including prior service as a board member, a taxing unit officer, or any compensated representation before the appraisal review board within a defined timeframe.

Contention

While the bill is primarily designed to improve the integrity of the appraisal review process, there may be varying opinions regarding the strictness of the proposed eligibility criteria. Some may argue that these restrictions could limit the pool of qualified candidates willing to serve on the boards, potentially leading to difficulties in staffing these essential local bodies. Additionally, there may be concerns about the implications for individuals who have served previously, as the changes would affect current and future appointments while allowing existing board members to complete their terms unaffected.