Texas Senate Bill SJR36

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit an appraisal district or the appraisal review board for an appraisal district from requiring a property owner to pay a fee in connection with a protest filed by the owner with the board.

Impact

If passed, SJR36 would modify Section 18 of Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by introducing a new subsection that expressly disallows these fees in relation to a protest authorized by general law. This would mean that property owners can contest their property valuations without incurring fees that could deter them from exercising their right to protest. Such a change is significant as it may lead to increased participation from property owners who previously may have shied away from filing protests due to financial considerations.

Summary

SJR36 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment in Texas aimed at prohibiting appraisal districts and their review boards from requiring property owners to pay fees associated with protests they file regarding appraisals. This measure is designed to enhance the rights of property owners, providing them a clearer path to contest appraisals without the additional financial burden of protest fees. The bill reflects a growing concern among citizens regarding the costs associated with protesting property appraisals, which they may find to be excessive or unfairly imposed.

Contention

Discussion around SJR36 has highlighted strong opinions both in favor of and against the proposed amendment. Proponents argue that this move protects property owners from potentially unjust appraisal practices, leveling the playing field against appraisal districts that they perceive as operating with little accountability. Conversely, critics raise concerns about the potential financial implications for appraisal districts that may rely on these fees for operational funding. There is also apprehension regarding the adequacy of resources available for handling a larger volume of protests that could occur without the incentive of payment.

Notable_points

SJR36 is set for a ballot decision, allowing voters to express their opinion directly on this constitutional change. The proposed amendment is indicative of broader trends in legislative discussions focused on property rights and taxation. As property values fluctuate, the significance of appraisal accuracy and fairness has increasingly come under scrutiny, making this bill particularly timely for Texas voters who are engaged in local governance and taxation issues.