Bill Caption

Relating to the transparent and equitable application of ad valorem taxation procedures.

Fiscal Notes

The bill would allow a court to give preference to the testimony of an appraisal district employee who is authorized to appraise real estate under Section 1103.201 of the Occupations Code. If this provision resulted in fewer decisions in favor of appraisal districts, there would be a state cost through the operation of the school district funding formula, but the cost would commence in fiscal year 2021. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1760 seeks to add refunds to the list of actions for which a property owner may direct someone to act on their behalf. The bill also states that a homeowner whose late application for a homestead exemption is granted does not need to apply for a refund in order to receive the refund, and if a correction to value decreases a property owner's tax liability after the tax has been paid, the homeowner doesn't need to apply for a refund to receive it. 

SB 1760 would also level the interest rates in which an individual must pay to the taxing jurisdictions to that of what the taxing jurisdictions pay to the individual. This would be done by setting interest rates at prime + 2%.

The Comptroller would also have to make a centralized list of all state taxes and publish them for the public to easily access.

SB 1760 would also make a notice of purpose mandatory on the ballot for increase in school district taxes.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1760 seeks to instill government transparency measures, removal of application requirements for refunds, and level the playing field between tax payers and the taxing institutions. Through the publishing of statewide taxes and openness at the ballot for tax increases, SB 1760 would increase government transparency at both the state and local levels. By removing the application requirement for receiving refunds, individuals may receive payments they may not have known were entitled to. Lastly, setting interest rates at prime + 2% will even the playing field between tax payers and taxing institutions which collect at higher rates than they themselves pay. Due to these various limited government measures, we are in support of this legislation.