BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 653

By: Bonnen

Ways & Means

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current law, tax bills may not be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service at their initial mailing because of the required postal service wording, "Return Service Requested," printed on the exterior envelope. 

H.B. 653 gives the tax assessor-collector the option of either continuing to print the special wording on the exterior envelope of a property tax bill or removing it so the bill may be forwarded.  Providing these options increases the likelihood that property owners will receive and pay their tax bills, and also that they will update their contact information.

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. 653 amends the Tax Code to authorize at the desire of the assessor for each taxing unit, rather than require, the exterior of a property tax bill to contain in all capital letters the words "RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED" or another appropriate statement directing the U.S. Postal Service to return the tax bill if it is not deliverable as addressed.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.