Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1692

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
5/6/11  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the dismissal of complaints against property tax professionals.

Impact

The passage of HB 1692 is expected to have a significant impact on both property tax professionals and property owners by clarifying the dismissal process for complaints. As the bill specifies that the dismissal can occur without a hearing for complaints related to appraisal value, methodology, exemptions, or penalties, stakeholders anticipate a reduction in the number of hearings and disputes. This change is seen by supporters as a means to enhance regulatory efficiency and reduce administrative burdens on both the department and tax professionals.

Summary

House Bill 1692 addresses the procedural aspects of how complaints against property tax professionals are handled in Texas. The bill proposes amendments to Section 1151.204 of the Occupations Code, which outlines the conditions under which a complaint may be dismissed without a hearing. The primary aim of this legislation is to streamline the complaint process by allowing the department to dismiss cases that do not allege credible violations of the chapter or the standards set by the commission, provided that the complaints pertain to certain areas specified in state tax law.

Contention

Notably, some stakeholders may contend that expedited dismissals could potentially limit the recourse available to property owners dissatisfied with property tax assessments or the conduct of tax professionals. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to a lack of accountability within the profession if complaints can be easily dismissed without thorough investigation, thereby potentially undermining taxpayer trust in the tax appraisal system. This tension between efficiency and accountability will likely be a point of discussion in future legislative sessions.

Companion Bills

TX SB1334

Identical Relating to the dismissal of complaints against property tax professionals.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1285

Relating to the training and duties of a taxpayer liaison officer for an appraisal district.

TX HB5008

Relating to conduct of and complaints against current and former judges.

TX SB320

Relating to complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

TX HB2987

Relating to the exemption of tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation; making conforming changes.

TX SB1789

Relating to the exemption of tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation; making conforming changes.

TX HB4690

Relating to the grievance procedure used by public schools to address complaints by students or parents.

TX HB5050

Relating to notice by an appraisal review board that a protest has been dismissed because of failure by the property owner or the owner's designated agent to appear at the hearing on the protest.

TX SB2410

Relating to notice by an appraisal review board that a protest has been dismissed because of failure by the property owner or the owner's designated agent to appear at the hearing on the protest.

TX HB3917

Relating to dismissal of a complaint alleging a parent contributing to nonattendance on the parent's fulfillment of certain terms.

TX HB5101

Relating to procedures for a complaint filed with the State Bar of Texas against an attorney.

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