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Bill

HB 3851

Relating to leave for certain public employees to protest certain property tax actions before an appraisal review board.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Canales

Allows Texas public employees paid leave to challenge property tax assessments before appraisal review boards during work hours.

Reported from s/c favorably w/o amendment(s)
#citygovernment--employees/officers(i0061) #countygovernment--employees/officers(i0095) #employeebenefits&leave(s0452) #labor--general(i0500) #stateemployees(i0626) #taxation--property-appealoftaxdecisions(i0796)
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Bill Summary · HB 3851

Legislative bill overview

HB 3851 would allow certain public employees in Texas to take paid leave to appear before appraisal review boards to contest property tax assessments on their properties. The bill addresses a practical scheduling conflict where employees may struggle to attend mandatory hearings during work hours without facing consequences or unpaid time off.

Why is this important

Property tax appeals have strict deadlines and scheduling requirements, and missing an appraisal review board hearing can result in losing the right to challenge an assessment. This bill removes a barrier for public employees who might otherwise have to choose between their job and protecting their property tax interests, affecting potentially thousands of workers across Texas government agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and precedent: Granting paid leave for this specific purpose could set expectations for similar leave requests and create administrative tracking burdens across agencies
  • Scope definition: The bill's language regarding "certain public employees" lacks clarity on which employees qualify, potentially creating eligibility disputes and unequal application
  • Alternative remedies: Critics may argue employees could use existing vacation/personal leave, appeal outside work hours, or hire representatives instead of requiring new paid leave provisions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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