Texas House Bill HB1203

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/9/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/13/09
• Governor Action: 5/26/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/26/09

Caption

Relating to the designation of a person to act as the agent of a property owner in a property tax matter.

Impact

The implications of HB 1203 are significant for property owners and their agents. By formalizing the process of agent designation, the bill intends to make the representation more transparent and authorized, which could streamline interactions with appraisal districts or taxing units. This change will help clarify the responsibilities and limits of authority for agents acting on behalf of property owners, potentially leading to more efficient resolution of property tax matters.

Summary

House Bill 1203 is an act aimed at modifying the process by which property owners can designate agents to handle matters concerning property taxes. The legislation specifies that the agent designation must be documented using a form prescribed by the comptroller. This documentation requires the signature of the property owner, a property manager authorized to designate agents, or another individual permitted to act on behalf of the property owner, ensuring clear authorization for representation in property tax issues.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve the clarity and efficiency of agent designations in property tax matters, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation and the degree of flexibility offered to property owners. Critics may argue that additional requirements for documentation could complicate the process for some property owners who might prefer a more informal arrangement. However, proponents believe that a standardized process as outlined in the bill ultimately benefits property owners by protecting their interests during tax matters.