WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 4613

Relating to the award of attorney's fees to an appraisal district, appraisal review board, or chief appraiser that prevails in an appeal on the ground that a property has been appraised for ad valorem tax purposes unequally.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Chris Turner

Allows appraisal districts to recover attorney fees from property owners who lose unequal-appraisal appeals, raising financial barriers to contesting property tax valuations.

Left pending in subcommittee
#attorney'sfees(s0202) #taxation--property-appealoftaxdecisions(i0796) #taxation--property-appraisals&appraisaldistricts(i0792)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4613

Legislative bill overview

HB 4613 would allow appraisal districts, appraisal review boards, and chief appraisers to recover attorney's fees when they win appeals defending against claims that a property has been appraised unequally for property tax purposes. Currently, these entities cannot recover legal costs even when they successfully defend their appraisals in court.

Why is this important

Property tax appraisals affect how much homeowners and businesses pay in taxes, and disputes over unequal appraisals are common. This bill would shift some litigation costs to property owners who lose challenges, potentially discouraging frivolous appeals while also making it more expensive for homeowners to contest appraisals they believe are unfair.

Potential points of contention

  • Chilling effect on legitimate appeals: Homeowners facing potential attorney's fee liability may avoid challenging genuinely unequal appraisals due to financial risk, reducing access to the appeals process for ordinary citizens
  • Asymmetrical cost burden: Property owners risk paying both sides' attorney fees if they lose, while appraisal districts have no similar liability, creating unequal incentive structures
  • Appraisal district accountability: The bill provides financial reward to government entities that win, but no penalty mechanism if appraisals are found excessive or unequal, potentially reducing incentive for accurate initial assessments

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

Sign in to ask a question.