Bill > HB275

This bill modifies the Texas Tax Code to expand protections for landowners whose agricultural land is subject to quarantines by the Texas Animal Health Commission, specifically adding screwworms alongside existing provisions for tick eradication. The bill allows landowners to maintain their agricultural use designation and receive tax appraisal adjustments if their land is placed under a quarantine lasting at least 90 days for screwworm or tick eradication. Under these circumstances, landowners can request a reappraisal that takes into account the negative impact of the infestation, with the appraised value not exceeding half of the original land value. Landowners must notify the chief appraiser within 30 days of being designated as a screwworm or tick eradication area, and the chief appraiser must consider the infestation's effect on land value during the quarantine period. The bill removes the word "temporary" from various section headings, indicating these provisions are now considered standard practice. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and do not impact tax years or land use changes that occurred before the effective date.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HB275