SRC-VRA C.S.S.B. 853 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 853
By: Madla
Jurisprudence
4/5/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, a person can solicit a homeowner for the service of applying
for a property tax refund from a tax appraisal district or other
governmental body on behalf of the homeowner.   C.S.S.B. 853 would require
a person who solicits a homeowner solely by mail or by telephone to pay a
fee for the service of applying for a property tax refund from a tax
appraisal district or other governmental body and would require the person
to disclose to the homeowner the name of the governmental body before
accepting money from the homeowner.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends the heading to Section 41.0051, Property Code, to read
as follows: 

 Sec.  41.0051.  DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURE REQUIRED

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 41.0051, Property Code, by amending Subsection
(b) and adding Subsection (c), as follows: 

(b)  Requires a person who solicits solely by mail or by telephone a
homeowner to pay a fee for the service of applying for a property tax
refund from a tax appraisal district or other governmental body on behalf
of the homeowner, before accepting money from the owner or signing a
contract with the homeowner for the person's services, to disclose to the
homeowner the name of the tax appraisal district or other governmental
body that owes the homeowner a refund. 

 (c)  Redesignated from Subsection (b).  Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 2.  Adds new language to proposed Subsection (b) relating to a
solicitation solely by mail or by telephone.