Texas House Bill HB4034

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the publication by an appraisal district on the district's Internet website of certain information regarding real property appraised by the district.

Impact

The proposed changes outlined in HB 4034 will bring significant adjustments to the way appraisal information is disseminated in Texas. By requiring these districts to publicly display appraised values and property categorizations, the bill aims to foster greater accountability and transparency within the property taxation system. This could lead to increased public trust in the valuation process and allow property owners to better understand how assessments are made and what classifications are applied to their properties.

Summary

House Bill 4034 is designed to enhance transparency in the appraisal process by requiring appraisal districts to publish certain information about real property on their internet websites. Specifically, the bill mandates that each appraisal district that operates a website must make available detailed descriptions of parcels of real property included in the appraisal roll, along with their appraised values. The publication must include a searchable format based on account numbers, physical addresses, or property owner names, ensuring that the information is accessible to the public.

Contention

Although HB 4034 seeks to enhance public access to property information, some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential administrative burden this law may place on smaller appraisal districts. The costs associated with setting up and maintaining the required online platforms could disproportionately affect districts with limited resources. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the privacy of property owners and the appropriateness of making some information publicly available. Proponents argue that the benefits of transparency outweigh these concerns, whereas opponents might call for more equitable solutions that consider the varying capacities of different appraisal districts.