LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 6, 2021

TO:
Honorable Morgan Meyer, Chair, House Committee on Ways & Means
 
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1245 by Perry (Relating to the farm and ranch survey conducted by the comptroller for purposes of estimating the productivity value of qualified open-space land as part of the study of school district taxable values.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 403, Subchapter M of the Government Code, regarding the Comptroller's study of school district property values, to require the Comptroller to conduct an annual farm and ranch survey for estimating the productivity value of qualified open-spaced land as part of the study. The bill would direct the Comptroller to prepare and publish an instructional guide to assist individuals in completing the farm and ranch survey including definitions, instructions, examples, and other information. 

The bill would require the Comptroller to conduct an informational session open to the public on how to complete the survey and post a recording of the training on the website. The bill provides that the Comptroller shall solicit comments from the public and the Property Tax Administration Advisory Board at least once a year to determine the ease and understandability of the survey and to ensure questions are designed to generate reliable answers. 

The bill would require that the chief appraiser of each appraisal district distribute the farm and ranch survey manual to the agricultural advisory board for the appraisal district. The Comptroller would be required to distribute the guide to survey recipients and provide information on how to access the informational session.

The Comptroller indicates there would be no administrative costs resulting from provisions in the bill.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2021.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
LBB Staff:
JMc, KK, SD, BRI