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Bill

Bill

SB 973

Relating to the periodic reappraisal of property by, and the prohibition on posting on the Internet certain information held by, an appraisal district.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sarah Eckhardt and 5 co-sponsors

Texas bill restricts appraisal districts' online property data publication and modifies periodic reappraisal procedures, affecting property tax assessment transparency and frequency.

Effective on 9/1/25
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Bill Summary · SB 973

Legislative bill overview

SB 973 modifies how Texas appraisal districts conduct property reappraisals and restricts what property information they can publish online. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being filed without the Governor's signature (allowing it to become law without explicit approval).

Why is this important

Property appraisals directly affect property tax bills for millions of Texas homeowners and businesses. Restricting online access to appraisal district data impacts public transparency and homeowners' ability to research comparable properties when challenging assessments. The reappraisal changes could affect how frequently property values are reassessed and therefore how quickly tax burdens adjust.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Restricting public access to property information online may protect privacy but reduces transparency in the property valuation process, potentially hindering homeowners' ability to challenge assessments
  • Tax Assessment Impact: Changes to reappraisal frequency or methodology could disproportionately affect different property owners depending on market conditions and assessment timing
  • Implementation Burden: Appraisal districts may face costs in modifying systems and procedures to comply with new restrictions, potentially affecting service quality or fees

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

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