BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1228

By: Metcalf

Ways & Means

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Property owners dissatisfied with their property tax bill have the ability to file a protest with their appraisal district's appraisal review board. However, it is not until after a formal hearing is scheduled that the property owner can request a copy of the information used to appraise the property. Allowing a property owner to access this information electronically or by mail prior to filing a protest may cut down on unnecessary protests. H.B. 1228 seeks to allow a property owner or the owner's agent to receive on request a copy of this information.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1228 amends the Tax Code to give a property owner or the owner's agent the option to request from the chief appraiser or a private appraisal firm, as applicable, an electronic or mailed copy of the applicable information used to appraise the owner's property that the owner or agent is otherwise entitled to inspect and copy under state law in person. The bill prohibits a chief appraiser or firm from imposing a fee for providing the copy and requires the copy, if mailed, to be sent to the address designated by the owner or agent.

EFFECTIVE DATE

January 1, 2024.