Texas House Bill HB5054

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/23

Caption

Relating to the deadline by which a property owner is required to notify an appraisal review board of the owner's intent to appear at a protest hearing by telephone conference call or videoconference.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5054 will specifically impact how property owners engage with appraisal review boards during protest hearings related to property valuations. By shortening the notification window, the bill encourages more timely communication and may lead to greater participation in protest hearings. The legislation is expected to streamline administrative procedures within local appraisal districts while potentially enhancing the responsiveness of the board to property owners who prefer remote participation.

Summary

House Bill 5054, introduced by Representative Button, addresses the notification timeline for property owners wishing to appear at a protest hearing before an appraisal review board. The bill seeks to amend the current Tax Code regulations by reducing the notification period from ten days to five days prior to a scheduled protest hearing if the property owner intends to participate via telephone or videoconference. This adjustment is designed to make the process more accessible and efficient for property owners, allowing them to respond to appraisal decisions in a manner that best suits their needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 5054 appears to be largely positive, particularly among stakeholders advocating for property owner rights and accessibility in administrative processes. Many proponents view the bill as a progressive step toward accommodating the needs of modern taxpayers, reflecting an understanding of the growing preference for remote engagements. However, sentiments may vary among appraisal board officials who could be concerned about managing increased caseloads due to potentially more participants acting on shortened notice.

Contention

The primary point of contention surrounding HB 5054 may lay in the administrative implications of changing the notification timeline for protest hearings. Critics might argue that a shorter notification period could overwhelm appraisal review boards, reducing the quality of hearings and diluting the property owners' experiences. Additionally, there may be concerns about the fairness of a compressed timeline for property owners, especially those who may require more time to prepare their cases or to navigate the protest system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

• Chapter 41. Local Review
  • Section: New Section