Relating to the abolition of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Impact
The bill's implementation represents a significant restructuring of governance in the field of tax regulation. By transferring responsibilities from the Board to the TDLR, the bill seeks to streamline processes including complaints and disciplinary actions against tax professionals. This change is expected to reduce bureaucratic overhead while improving responsiveness to violations within the field of property tax appraisal and assessment.
Summary
House Bill 2447 proposes the abolition of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This bill is aimed at consolidating the regulatory environment concerning tax professionals to enhance efficiency and oversight. The changes would include the establishment of a new Texas Tax Professional Advisory Committee under the TDLR to ensure professional standards and ethical conduct are maintained among tax professionals operating in Texas.
Contention
Notably, this transition raises concerns regarding the future oversight of tax professionals and the potential loss of specialized expertise that the Board of Tax Professional Examiners provided. Critics may argue that such a merger could dilute the focus on tax-specific issues, impacting both professionals and consumers. Moreover, there are questions about how existing complaints and cases will be handled during the transition period, which could affect many currently registered professionals.
Regulatory changes
In terms of regulatory changes, the bill will also amend parts of the Occupations Code pertaining to the definitions and responsibilities of tax professionals and their registrations. The regulations defining the processes for complaints, investigations, registrations, and certifications will be integrated into the rules of the TDLR, allowing for a uniform approach across various professions regulated by the department.
Identical
Relating to the abolition of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of property tax professionals from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to the comptroller of public accounts; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the abolition of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Relating to a study of the feasibility and benefits to this state of abolishing the property tax assistance division of the office of the comptroller of public accounts and transferring its powers and duties to an independent agency.
Relating to abolishing the property tax assistance division of the office of the comptroller of public accounts and transferring its powers and duties to the newly created State Property Tax Board.