Texas House Bill HB27

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the consideration of the use of property or a comparable property in certain appeals of an appraisal review board order.

Impact

The enactment of HB 27 will directly affect the appraisal process for retail properties in Texas. By tightening the criteria for what constitutes a comparable property in appeals, this bill is expected to streamline how properties are valued and compared in these contexts. It will influence the strategic decisions of various stakeholders, including property owners, real estate agents, and appraisers, thus potentially altering property market dynamics regarding retail spaces.

Summary

House Bill 27 aims to address the considerations involved in appeals regarding appraisal review board orders specifically related to real property utilized for retail purposes. The bill proposes amendments to the Texas Tax Code by adding a new section that allows for a more refined definition of comparable properties in zoning discussions. These refinements assert that only properties with the same highest and best use as the subject property should be considered when making comparisons during appeals, impacting property valuation decisions significantly in the realm of retail real estate.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 27 appears to be cautiously optimistic, particularly among stakeholders focused on the retail and real estate sectors. Supporters argue that the bill will clarify existing ambiguities in property appraisal standards, thereby making the process more transparent and fair. However, there are concerns that the new criteria might limit the options available for property comparisons, which could benefit some property owners at the expense of others.

Contention

A notable point of contention includes whether the exclusion of certain use restrictions from the consideration of a property's highest and best use is justified. Critics may argue that this could lead to disparities in the assessment process. Additionally, how this law will be interpreted and enforced by appraisal review boards remains a topic of discussion, indicating a need for additional clarity and guidance in implementing its provisions.