Texas House Bill HB275

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 8/4/25

Caption

Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of land subject to a quarantine established by the Texas Animal Health Commission for ticks or screwworms.

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for landowners whose properties are affected by health-related quarantines. Owners of qualified land are entitled to request a reappraisal of their property if it is placed under quarantine for at least 90 days. This appraisal considers the impact of infestation on land values, possibly limiting the appraised value to no more than one-half of the original appraised value for the current tax year. This aims to alleviate financial burdens on landowners during periods of quarantine, ensuring they are not unduly penalized by tax assessments that do not reflect their land's value under quarantine conditions.

Summary

House Bill 275 relates to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of land that is subject to a quarantine imposed by the Texas Animal Health Commission for ticks or screwworms. The bill introduces amendments to the Tax Code that specifically address the treatment of agricultural land impacted by such quarantines. It allows owners of land designated for agricultural use to retain eligibility for agricultural appraisal even if they cease agricultural operations during the quarantine period, provided that the land remains in compliance as designated by the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Contention

One notable point of contention related to HB 275 is the balance it seeks to strike between maintaining agricultural viability and enforcing necessary public health measures. While proponents argue that it protects agricultural interests and ensures fair tax treatment for affected landowners, critics may express concerns regarding the potential for abuse of the quarantine provisions and the implications for how agricultural land is treated for tax purposes. This could raise discussions about compliance standards and the responsibilities of landowners in maintaining their agricultural use status during quarantine periods.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

• Chapter 23. Appraisal Methods And Procedures
  • Section: 426
  • Section: 48
  • Section: 526
  • Section: 60

Agriculture Code

• Chapter 167. Tick Eradication
  • Section: New Section