Texas House Bill HB1060

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a property owner to request that notice of a protest hearing before the appraisal review board be delivered by certified mail or electronic mail.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1060 is expected to directly impact the current statutory framework governing property tax protests in Texas. By allowing electronic mail as a valid method for delivering hearing notices, the bill aims to modernize the notification process, potentially decreasing the delays often associated with postal delivery. This could improve participation by property owners in the protest process, ensuring that they are adequately informed and able to respond in a timely manner to appraisal decisions.

Summary

House Bill 1060 amends the Texas Tax Code to enhance the authority of property owners regarding the notification process for protest hearings before the appraisal review board. The bill allows property owners to request delivery of notice for a protest hearing via certified mail or electronic mail, thus providing them with more flexibility in how they receive important communication concerning disputes over property appraisals. This change reflects an effort to streamline communication and engage property owners more effectively in the appraisal process.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1060 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents of increased transparency and accessibility in local governance. Supporters argue that enabling electronic notice represents a step forward in making the protest hearing process more user-friendly and accessible. However, there may also be some concerns from individuals who prefer traditional mail due to issues of digital literacy or access to technology.

Contention

While the bill passed unanimously in both houses of the Texas Legislature, the commentary around it indicates that there may be divergent views on how effectively it will serve all property owners. Some stakeholders might contend that reliance on electronic communication could exclude certain groups, especially those without reliable internet access. The tension between traditional communication methods and modern practices in government notifications highlights the need for continuous evaluation of how laws can serve the entire population equitably.