House Bill No. 3851 introduces new provisions regarding leave for public employees in Texas to protest property tax actions before an appraisal review board. The bill amends the Government Code by adding Section 661.925, which mandates that state agencies grant employees entitled to protest under Subchapter C, Chapter 41 of the Tax Code at least eight hours of leave each fiscal year. This leave is to be provided without any deduction in salary or loss of other forms of leave. Additionally, the bill amends the Local Government Code by adding Section 180.0095, which requires the governing bodies of political subdivisions, including municipalities, counties, and school districts, to offer the same leave provisions to their employees.

The new legal language emphasizes the importance of allowing public employees the opportunity to engage in the protest process without financial penalty or loss of leave benefits. The provisions apply to the fiscal year of a political subdivision that begins on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to support employees in exercising their rights related to property tax protests while ensuring they are not adversely affected in their employment status.

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