Texas Senate Bill SJR63

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

By passing this amendment, the Texas Constitution would be revised to ensure that property owners can protest appraisal decisions without the deterrent of fees, potentially leading to increased participation in protests. This could create a shift in the relationship between property owners and appraisal districts by encouraging more homeowners to pursue avenues for disputing their property valuations. The elimination of fees could further serve to enhance transparency and fairness in the appraisal process, aligning with the broader goal of protecting taxpayer interests.

Summary

SJR63 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to prohibit appraisal districts and their associated review boards from charging property owners fees in relation to protests filed against appraisals. This amendment would directly impact the way property valuation disputes can be addressed, specifically by removing the financial burden associated with formally contesting appraisal decisions. The bill is intended to make it easier for property owners to challenge their appraisals without the concern of incurring fees, thereby streamlining the process and promoting homeowner rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR63 include concerns about the potential impact on appraisal district operations and revenues. Critics may argue that eliminating fees could hinder the financial viability of appraisal review boards, affecting their ability to operate effectively and analyze property disputes with the necessary resources. Moreover, questions may arise regarding what this means for the accountability of appraisal districts; without the deterrent of fees, some may fear an influx of frivolous protests that could overwhelm the system.

Voting_history

The resolution is slated for voter consideration, as it will be placed on the ballot for the election on November 5, 2019. The outcome will ultimately depend on public support for the principle of fee-free protests, which reflects broader sentiments regarding property rights and government regulation.