Texas House Bill HB975

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/5/11
• Introduced: 1/27/11
• Voted on by House: 4/15/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Report Pass: 3/28/11
• Engrossed: 4/15/11
• Refer: 4/20/11

Caption

Relating to eligibility to serve on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district.

Impact

The bill's impact is directed at reinforcing the integrity and objectivity of the appraisal review process within larger Texas counties. By limiting the eligibility of board members, the bill seeks to prevent scenarios where long-serving members may become disconnected from current property evaluation practices and stakeholder needs. Additionally, it aims to mitigate the influence of former officials who may have biases tied to their previous roles within the appraisal processes.

Summary

House Bill 975 aims to amend the eligibility criteria for individuals serving on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district, particularly in counties with populations over 100,000. The bill establishes clear ineligibility conditions for serving on the board, specifically targeting individuals who have served a total of three consecutive terms or who have been involved with the appraisal district in prior capacities. This reform is designed to ensure that board members can bring fresh perspectives and reduce potential conflicts of interest within property appraisals.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 975 include concerns about local governance and the ability to adapt to the unique needs of smaller jurisdictions versus larger counties. Some stakeholders argue that strict eligibility criteria may inadvertently restrict qualified individuals from serving on boards and that such limitations could lead to a shortfall in expertise and experience. Furthermore, discussions around this bill may reflect a broader debate over transparency and representational fairness within local appraisal practices.