Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1745

Caption

Relating to the authority of a property owner to bring suit to compel an appraisal district, chief appraiser, or appraisal review board to comply with a procedural requirement applicable to an ad valorem tax protest.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1745 may significantly alter how procedural compliance is enforced in property tax assessments. By enabling property owners to initiate lawsuits to ensure compliance, the bill could lead to heightened scrutiny of appraisal districts and increased responsiveness to procedural adherence. This change is expected to empower property owners, offering them a clearer avenue for recourse in situations where they believe procedural norms have not been met, ultimately promoting fair treatment in tax protests.

Summary

House Bill 1745 establishes the authority of property owners to bring legal action against appraisal districts, chief appraisers, or appraisal review boards to ensure compliance with procedural requirements related to ad valorem tax protests. The bill aims to streamline the process by which taxpayers can compel these entities to adhere to established procedural norms, thereby protecting property owners' rights in tax-related disputes. This legislation is particularly significant in the context of property tax reforms and efforts to enhance accountability in appraisal processes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1745 appears to be supportive among stakeholders advocating for property owner's rights, as it provides a mechanism for ensuring that procedural rules are followed, which can enhance transparency and fairness in the tax appraisal process. However, there may be concerns from appraisal districts about the potential for increased litigation, which could strain their resources and affect their operational efficiency. The balance between facilitating property owner rights and managing the administrative impact on appraisal entities is a vital point of discussion.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the potential implications of the bill on the workload and processes of appraisal districts. Critics could argue that the bill may pave the way for an influx of lawsuits, thereby complicating the appraisal process and leading to unintended consequences. Additionally, discussions around the appropriateness of granting property owners access to the courts for procedural complaints might be contentious, with some advocating for alternate dispute resolution mechanisms instead.

Companion Bills

TX SB1428

Same As Relating to the authority of a property owner to bring suit to compel an appraisal district, chief appraiser, or appraisal review board to comply with a procedural requirement applicable to an ad valorem tax protest.

Similar Bills

TX HB988

Relating to ad valorem taxation; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1713

Relating to reimbursing property owners in certain counties for damages caused by certain criminal activities; authorizing a fee.

CA AB2350

Unclaimed property.

CA AB1130

Heavy equipment rentals.

CA SB675

Property taxation: monthly installment payments.

CA AB308

Procedures for litigation.

TX HB3440

Relating to amendment and enforcement of restrictive covenants in certain areas.

CA SB454

Child support: enforcement.