Texas House Bill HB3989

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the determination of the appraised value of property for purposes of an ad valorem tax protest or appeal.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly influence the tax protest process in Texas by introducing a more stringent methodology for determining the appraised value of properties in relation to their comparable counterparts. The intention is to provide a clearer framework for property owners to contest appraisals, potentially offering more equitable treatment during assessments. This could lead to a decrease in disputes over appraised values as the parameters become more standardized and transparent.

Process

The bill includes provisions for its effective date, stipulating that it would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from the legislature or on September 1, 2015, if it does not achieve such a vote. This expedited timeline reflects the urgency that may be felt by lawmakers to address property tax issues faced by constituents.

Summary

House Bill 3989 is focused on modifying the Texas Tax Code relating to the determination of the appraised value of property for the purpose of ad valorem tax protests and appeals. The primary amendment proposed in this bill is to require the median appraised value of comparable properties to be calculated using details from the appraisal records submitted by the chief appraiser. This represents a shift in how valuation comparisons are conducted, effectively aiming to enhance the accuracy of property assessment and valuation during tax protests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HB 3989 proposes specific alterations to the Texas Tax Code that aim to refine property appraisal processes in relation to tax protests. The bill holds the promise of greater accuracy and fairness while also raising potential issues that could impact local governance and revenue generation.

Contention

However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of this bill on local appraisal districts and property owners. While supporters might argue that these changes will lead to fairer assessments, opponents could raise issues about how this would affect local governance and the discretion of appraisal review boards. Questions may emerge about the extent to which these changes will impact the funding for local services, as property taxes are a major source of revenue for municipalities.