Texas House Bill HB1088

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/13/11
• Introduced: 2/2/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11

Caption

Relating to appraisal review board members.

Impact

The implications of HB 1088 on state law are significant, particularly for the Texas Tax Code. By establishing clearer guidelines for the appointment and eligibility of appraisal review board members, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the boards, which play a critical role in property taxation and appraisal disputes. Importantly, the bill also repeals the previous requirement of a majority vote from the appraisal district board for member removal, transferring this authority solely to local district judges. This shift could lead to a more centralized management of the review boards.

Summary

House Bill 1088 seeks to amend the regulations surrounding the composition and operation of appraisal review boards in Texas. The proposed changes include clarifying the eligibility requirements for board members, stipulating that they must be U.S. citizens and residents of the district for at least two years. This bill also modifies the appointment process by granting local administrative district judges the authority to directly appoint board members or appoint commissioners who will fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the board, thus allowing for a more streamlined appointment process.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1088 argue that the changes will streamline the appointment process and improve accountability, there may be concerns regarding the concentration of power within the judicial system, specifically with local administrative district judges having enhanced authority over the appointment and removal of board members. Critics could contend that this may reduce transparency and local representation on appraisal boards, potentially impacting the fairness of property appraisals in various districts. The balance between efficient governance and local control remains a point of contention among stakeholders.