The 2017 Special Session
Click the link to view. http://texasarb.com/uploads/files/AA_2017_Bill_summaries_8-16-17.pdf
Read MoreLegal Topics
PropertyTax Bills in the 2017 Legislature
Click the link to view. http://texasarb.com/uploads/files/AA_Bill_Summaries_6-19-17.pdf
Read MoreRecent Attorney General's Opinions
Attorney General's Opinions Last updated - May 20, 2017 Opinion No. KP-0147 May 11, 2017 Issues: Homestead exemptions Section 11.13(l)(2)(B) says that a homeowner can keep her homestead exemption indefinitely even if she is not living in the homestead if the absence is . . . caused by the owner's . . . residency…
Read MoreRecent Property Tax Cases
RECENT PROPERTY TAX CASES Last updated: May 20, 2017 Harris County Appraisal District v. Texas Workforce Commission 2017 WL 2023616 (Tex., May 12, 2017) Issues: ARB members’ eligibility for unemployment compensation Several former members of the ARB filed claims for unemployment benefits contending that they had…
Read MoreSlasher
Slasher is a 2004 documentary film about a high-energy, high-pressure used car salesman. His technique involves saying, "If you don't like the price of this car, I'll slash it for you!!" ARB members often see property owners who have them confused with the Slasher. They think they can just say that…
Read MoreARBs Working Together
Yesterday, I attended a very interesting informal meeting with officers from five ARBs. We discussed bills pending in the Texas legislature and many different policies and practices adopted by the various ARBs. The officers were able to learn which policies and practices have been most successful in other places and which…
Read MoreDecision-Making Fatigue
ARB members often have to make many tough decisions in a day. Making decisions is more tiring that people think. I recommend this article from the New York Times. It starts by explaining why a parole board tends to be more lenient early in the day and tougher as the day wears on. ARB members may be subject to the same…
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