Texas House Bill HB1704

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of a person for appointment as an arbitrator in a binding arbitration of an appraisal review board order.

Impact

The adjustments made by HB 1704 are pivotal in refining the selection process for arbitrators, which is critical in property tax dispute resolutions. By limiting eligibility based on prior representation and employment within the appraisal district, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity of the arbitration process. It is expected to foster greater neutrality among arbitrators, thereby potentially resulting in fairer outcomes for property owners and ensuring trust in the arbitration process.

Summary

House Bill 1704 proposes amendments to the Texas Tax Code related to the eligibility criteria for appointing arbitrators in binding arbitration cases that arise from appraisal review board orders. The bill specifically alters the conditions under which a person may be appointed as an arbitrator, aiming to ensure that those involved in the appraisal process remain impartial. The changes primarily focus on a two-year period during which a potential arbitrator must not have represented a party for compensation in proceedings under this title within the applicable appraisal district.

Contention

Although the bill may streamline arbitrator appointments, discussions may arise around its implications for access to justice. Stakeholders might raise concerns about whether these stricter eligibility requirements could inadvertently limit the pool of available arbitrators, particularly affecting smaller appraisal districts that may struggle to find qualified candidates. Such debates reflect broader tensions between ensuring impartiality in arbitration and maintaining sufficient access to qualified arbitrators for all parties involved in property tax disputes.