Texas House Bill HB3445

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the date by which an appraisal review board must hear a property tax protest, petition, or motion.

Impact

The implementation of HB3445 is expected to significantly affect the operational procedures of appraisal review boards across Texas. By imposing a firm deadline for when hearings must be held, the legislation aims to prevent undue delays that can adversely affect property owners' rights to challenge appraisals. The bill also offers flexibility by allowing the chief appraiser and property owners to mutually agree on extending this deadline, ensuring that both parties can accommodate their schedules without facing penalties or legal repercussions.

Summary

House Bill 3445 introduces amendments to the Texas Tax Code, specifically targeting the timeline for hearings conducted by appraisal review boards concerning property tax protests, petitions, and motions. The bill mandates that if a hearing is required, it must be held within 275 days from the date a protest, petition, or motion is filed. This requirement introduces a structured timeline aimed at improving the efficiency of the property tax dispute resolution process in Texas, ensuring that property owners receive timely hearings and decisions on their tax-related issues.

Contention

While HB3445 seeks to streamline the hearing process for property tax protests, potential points of contention arise regarding the unilateral approach to deadlines. Opponents may argue that imposing strict timelines could inadvertently lead to rushed decisions, negatively impacting the thoroughness of hearings. Furthermore, the balance of power is a point of concern; property owners might feel pressured to agree to extensions or settle quickly due to the constraints imposed on review board schedules, which could overshadow their ability to adequately present their case.