Texas House Bill HB649

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the posting of certain tax appraisal record information on the Internet.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is anticipated to impact local tax appraisal processes significantly. Under this legislation, property owners can take active steps to ensure their names are not included in publicly accessible appraisal records. This can foster a culture of privacy and security for property owners, aligning with broader trends toward protecting personal information in an increasingly online world. Additionally, the requirement for appraisal districts and related entities to notify users about the option to opt-out serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about privacy rights among property owners.

Summary

House Bill 649 aims to enhance the privacy of property owners by prohibiting the posting of certain appraisal record information on the Internet. Specifically, it disallows appraisal districts, taxing units, and tax assessors or collectors from publicly disclosing the names of property owners if they choose to opt-out of online visibility. This measure empowers property owners to protect their identification linked to appraisal records, giving them agency over their personal data in the digital space.

Contention

While the bill is designed to protect individual privacy rights, it may also raise questions about transparency in local governance and property tax assessment processes. Critics may argue that limiting access to appraisal records could hinder public oversight and accountability mechanisms that allow community members to track property values and trends. Therefore, discussions surrounding the bill will likely revolve around balancing the need for privacy with the public's right to access information pertaining to local property assessments.