Texas House Bill HB3870

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the appointment of a master in chancery in certain counties to aid in the determination of certain ad valorem tax appeals.

Impact

The proposed legal framework represented by HB 3870 is significant as it introduces a paradigm wherein a master in chancery can manage specific types of tax appeals. This might expedite the resolution of such cases, as the masters are entrusted with duties that include regulating hearings, ruling on evidence, and making recommendations for final judgments. Furthermore, the fiscal implications of the bill encompass how costs are managed, particularly in terms of compensating the masters and any related court expenses incurred during proceedings.

Summary

House Bill 3870 proposes the inclusion of a provision that allows for the appointment of a master in chancery within district courts located in counties with populations of 3.3 million or more. This initiative seeks to streamline the process concerning ad valorem tax appeals and inspects the obligational roles of such masters to ensure efficacy in legal proceedings pertaining to these tax disputes. As designed, the bill establishes the criteria for who can serve as a master, emphasizing the necessity for relevant professional experience and licensing for the appointed individuals.

Contention

The bill may encounter notable points of contention, particularly around the accessibility of the judicial system and its implications for due process. Some may raise concerns about the potential for reduced judicial oversight and the risk of bias in decisions made by masters who are not part of the formal court system. Additionally, there might be discussions around the practicality of implementation in regions that may not have sufficient infrastructure to support such an appointment, potentially leading to varied interpretations and applications of the law across different counties.