AUSTIN, TX – Today, Representative Chris Turner was named Chairman of the permanent Ways and Means Subcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals. This new subcommittee is responsible for considering all matters relating to the appraisal of property for taxation. The Texas Constitution requires taxation to be equal and uniform, and to meet that requirement the Legislature must ensure that the appraisal process is as fair and consistent as possible for all property owners across the state.
“I am honored that Speaker Burrows has entrusted me with the opportunity to work on this important issue. I look forward to working with my colleagues and stakeholders around the state to strengthen our appraisal system and improve public confidence in this process,” said Turner.
Today Rep. Turner also filed two bills in response to recent actions by the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD). Last year, TAD adopted a policy calling for less frequent appraisals and an arbitrary appraisal cap inconsistent with the Texas Constitution. If these changes are allowed to stand, all school districts in Tarrant County will lose significant state funding.
·HB 2786 will require the annual appraisal of all property
·HB 2787 will require appointed and elected appraisal district board members to complete a comprehensive training. Additionally, prior to be being appointed or filing for election, HB 2787 requires prospective board members to sign an acknowledgement that they understand their role in the appraisal process.
Turner anticipates filing additional measures to address TAD’s shortsighted appraisal cap.
“Some of the measures adopted by the Tarrant Appraisal District are damaging to our local communities, and potentially catastrophic for our public schools,” Turner continued. “Our Tarrant County school districts cannot afford to be robbed of $100 million in funding, and Tarrant County citizens deserve to have their property values determined in an accurate and uniform way. As Chair of theSubcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals, I look forward to ensuring our appraisal process is conducted fairly, accurately, and as the Texas Constitution prescribes.”Representative Turner was also named a member of the State Affairs Committee.
