Four major property tax bills have officially passed and will impact every appraisal and tax office in Texas starting September 1, 2025.
TX HB 1522 | 2025–2026 | 89th Legislature
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Enrolled – Signed by Governor
Action: Set to take effect September 1, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Cody Vasut [R]
What is House Bill 1522?
HB 1522 amends the Texas Open Meetings Act to increase transparency for taxpayers by requiring local governments to post notice at least three business days in advance of the meeting. If a meeting includes discussion or adoption of a budget, the notice must include the entire proposed budget and a taxpayer impact statement.
Why does House Bill 1522 affect me?
This law impacts how local entities (including appraisal districts and taxing units) must prepare and post public meeting notices.
Key changes include:
- Replacing the 72-hour rule with three full business days for public posting
- Requiring budget documents and impact statements when financial matters are discussed
The extended time gives taxpayers more time to review agendas and respond to decisions that directly affect their property.
When does House Bill 1522 take effect?
This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
TX HB 1533 | 2025–2026 | 89th Legislature
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Enrolled – Signed by Governor
Action: Set to take effect September 1, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Hugh Shine [R]
What is House Bill 1533?
HB 1533 introduces a wide range of reforms to appraisal procedures and the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) process. It aims to enhance transparency, enforce fairness, and streamline communications between property owners and Appraisal Districts (CADs).
Why does House Bill 1533 affect me?
Significant impacts on CAD operations and property owner rights include:
- Certified mail required for retroactive appraisals
- CADs in counties over 120,000 population must update appraisal records weekly on their websites
- ARB training must include attorneys unaffiliated with CADs
- The Property Owner’s request deadline for ARB phone hearing or videoconference is shortened to 5 days from the current 10-day advance notice for unrepresented owners
- New rules for notification of ARB dismissals and subpoenas
This bill aims to enhance transparency and increase owner access.
When does House Bill 1533 take effect?
This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
TX SB 850 | 2025–2026 | 89th Legislature
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Enrolled – Signed by Governor
Action: Set to take effect September 1, 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Paul Bettencourt [R]
What is Senate Bill 850?
SB 850 ensures timely and fair tax refunds by establishing firm deadlines, automatic refund triggers, and interest penalties for delays. It strengthens taxpayer protections and reduces bureaucratic friction in situations involving overpayment.
Why does Senate Bill 850 affect me?
This bill directly impacts how refunds are processed and how quickly property owners receive money they are owed:
- Refunds of over $20 must be issued automatically (no request required)
- Refunds must be issued within 60 days, or CADs must pay 12% interest
- Removes prior approval limits for large refund amounts
- Clarifies legal timelines for taxpayer refund disputes and litigation
The new rules encourage prompt response from CADs and tax offices to act quickly and accurately.
When does Senate Bill 850 take effect?
This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
TX HB 4219 | 2025–2026 | 89th Legislature
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Enrolled – Signed by Governor
Action: Set to take effect September 1, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Todd Hunter [R]
What is House Bill 4219?
HB 4219 amends the Public Information Act to clarify how governmental bodies must handle public records requests. It aims to eliminate ambiguity, reduce the use of legal exceptions, and ensure faster communication with requestors.
Why does House Bill 4219 affect me?
Local governments, including CADs and tax offices, will now be required to:
- Reference previous attorney general determinations for denials
- Clearly identify which legal exceptions apply to withheld information
- Notify requestors when no records exist to fulfill the request
Transparency laws raise the bar on communication and compliance.
When does House Bill 4219 take effect?
This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.