Texas House Bill HB105

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to a study of the impact, feasibility, and advisability of adopting a property tax system in which the disclosure of the sales price of real property is required by law.

Impact

If enacted, HB 105 could significantly influence state property tax laws, particularly concerning transparency in property transactions. By requiring disclosure of sales prices, the bill aims to ensure a more equitable allocation of property tax burdens, which might alleviate some financial pressures on homeowners, especially for low- and moderate-income families. The findings of the study are expected to inform future legislative decisions regarding property tax administration and reforms, presenting a potential shift in how tax assessments are conducted in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 105 mandates a comprehensive study by the comptroller on the impact and feasibility of requiring the disclosure of real property sales prices in Texas. The intention behind this bill is to evaluate whether implementing such a disclosure system could enhance the property tax system, provide more accurate tax assessments, and potentially address issues related to the distribution of tax burdens among different types of property owners. The study will involve the formation of an advisory committee comprising various stakeholders, including representatives from school districts, local governments, and appraisal districts, all contributing to a well-rounded analysis of the implications of the proposed changes.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is the potential contention surrounding local government autonomy over property taxation. Critics might argue that such disclosure requirements could infringe on local jurisdictions' abilities to manage their tax structures effectively. Additionally, there may be concerns about privacy and the implications of disclosing property sales prices, which could lead to debates about the trade-offs between public transparency and the right to confidentiality in property transactions. As the advisory committee studies these issues, the discussions surrounding HB 105 may highlight the tension between state oversight and local control in property tax matters.