Bill > HB148

This bill establishes new requirements for candidates and members of appraisal district boards of directors in counties with populations of 75,000 or more. The legislation mandates that board members must complete an annual training program covering crucial topics such as the roles of various district officials, maintaining independence from political pressure, treating the public fairly, understanding financial and procurement requirements, and complying with government codes and professional ethics standards. Additionally, the bill requires candidates for both appointive and elective board positions to sign a comprehensive acknowledgment form detailing their statutory responsibilities, which include hiring a chief appraiser, establishing district policies, adopting budgets, appointing review board members, and conducting quarterly meetings. The training must be provided by an accredited higher education institution, with board members receiving a completion certificate that must be filed with the appraisal district and made available to the comptroller during district reviews. Failure to complete the required training can be considered grounds for removal from the board. These new provisions will apply to board members whose terms begin on or after January 1, 2026, and the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB148