Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, H.B. No. 3612.
Impact
This resolution seeks to adjust House Rule 13, suspending limitations in order to facilitate the resolutions on the proposed pilot program. By permitting modifications to House Bill 3612, the resolution highlights the Legislature's intent to refine and streamline the process for property owners contesting appraisal decisions. The bill specifically targets counties that will implement this program, which is expected to have implications for how property tax disputes are managed in the designated areas.
Summary
House Resolution 2960 pertains to the operation of conference committees in the Texas House of Representatives, specifically to enable the conference committee to modify certain aspects of House Bill 3612. This bill aims to establish a pilot program that allows taxpayer appeals from specific appraisal review board decisions to be resolved by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The primary focus is on addressing disputes concerning property appraisal reviews in selected counties within Texas.
Contention
One notable aspect of the discussions surrounding HR2960 is the decision to exclude Dallas County from participating in the pilot program outlined in HB 3612. This removal of Dallas County signifies a shift in focus and may be a point of contention among legislators, as the reasons for this alteration were not detailed in the resolution. The decision could impact local taxpayers in Dallas and suggests debate over the appropriate jurisdictions for the pilot program.
Implementation
If implemented as proposed, the pilot program will run for three years, starting with the ad valorem tax year commencing January 1, 2010. The selected counties for this pilot program include Bexar, Cameron, El Paso, Harris, Tarrant, and Travis, indicating a targeted approach to property tax dispute resolution in these specific areas. The outcomes of this program could influence future policymaking and administrative procedures regarding property tax assessments across Texas.