Texas House Bill HB209

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/12/08

Caption

Relating to the determination of the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation.

Impact

This bill is expected to have significant implications for property owners and tax collectors in Texas. By establishing a framework for how and when appraisals can be adjusted, HB209 seeks to prevent steep increases that could result from fluctuating market conditions. Furthermore, it sets limitations on the frequency of reappraisals, requiring them to occur no more than once every two years, which could provide homeowners with more predictable tax bills and stability in their housing costs.

Summary

House Bill 209 addresses the appraisal process for residence homesteads specifically in the context of ad valorem taxation. The bill seeks to amend the Texas Tax Code, particularly Section 23.23, to stipulate that an appraisal office can increase the appraised value of a homestead in a tax year, as long as the increase does not exceed either the market value from the previous year or a specified calculation involving the previous year's value and new improvements. This aims to provide clarity and consistency in how property values are set for tax purposes.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide clear guidelines for appraisal processes, there may be concerns regarding its impact on local government revenues and cost coverage for public services. Opponents might argue that limiting property values could restrict the ability of local governments to generate necessary funding for schools, infrastructure, and community services. Additionally, some may see this legislation as potentially undermining the ability of appraisal districts to respond promptly to changing market dynamics, leading to inequities in tax assessments across different regions.