Texas Senate Bill SB1146

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain local officials to serve as the chief appraiser of an appraisal district or as the assessor for a taxing unit that operates an appraisal office.

Impact

The enactment of SB1146 will affect the governance of appraisal districts by ensuring that local officials cannot hold positions that may put them in a position to influence appraisal outcomes. This change is anticipated to enhance transparency and accountability within the local tax assessment process. Moreover, existing chief appraisers or assessors who are found to be disqualified under this new provision are required to resign or be removed by December 31, 2019, thus creating an immediate need for compliance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1146 aims to modify the eligibility criteria for certain local officials serving as chief appraisers of appraisal districts or assessors for taxing units in Texas. Specifically, the bill introduces a disqualification rule for individuals who are elected or appointed officers of a taxing unit within an appraisal district with a population exceeding 20,000. This measure is designed to promote impartiality in the appraisal process by preventing conflicts of interest that may arise if local officials are allowed to serve in these positions.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a straightforward measure aimed at reducing conflicts of interest, there may be concerns from local officials about the implications for their careers and roles within the community. Critics of such measures often argue that they can limit the pool of qualified candidates available for these vital positions, potentially affecting the effectiveness of appraisal districts in managing local property assessments. The discussions around the bill suggest a need for balancing integrity in governance against practical considerations of staffing and expertise in local appraisal offices.