Texas House Bill HB2365

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the public sale of certain real property.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will streamline the process for tax sales and ensure that properties are sold at a minimum price consistent with either the market value or the total liabilities owed. This change is designed to protect the interests of taxing units while increasing efficiency in the sale process. Such amendments could reduce disputes regarding sale amounts and improve the recovery of outstanding taxes, which is beneficial for local government revenue.

Summary

House Bill 2365 aims to amend statutes related to the public sale of certain real property sold under judgment liens. The bill proposes adjustments to Sections 34.01 and 34.02 of the Texas Tax Code, altering the procedures regarding the endorsement of sale orders and calculations of total amounts due under judgments. The intent is to clarify the sales process for properties seized due to tax delinquency, ensuring that procedures are followed consistently and with transparency regarding the amounts owed.

Contention

Debate around HB 2365 may center on concerns over public accessibility to tax sale information and the adequacy of protections for property owners affected by tax seizures. Detractors may worry that changes might favor larger taxing units over individual property owners, particularly if the amendments are perceived to diminish the prior safeguards that allowed owners more avenues to contest valuations and sale terms before the sale.

Observations

The bill reflects ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with fair property rights. As local governments shift towards more aggressive collections for unpaid taxes, stakeholders will need to ensure that transparency and fairness remain core principles in the process of public property sales.