House Bill No. 4217 seeks to improve the governance and operational efficiency of appraisal districts in Texas by implementing new training requirements for board members and modifying existing provisions related to their election and appointment processes. A new section, 5.044, mandates that all board members complete open government training and specific training developed by the comptroller before their first public meeting each year, with non-compliance resulting in ineligibility to serve. The bill also removes references to voting eligibility based on the appointment of appraisal district directors, thereby expanding the ability of individuals to request audits and participate in governance. Additionally, it establishes staggered two-year terms for directors elected from specific commissioners precincts and allows for board member compensation, subject to voter approval.

The bill further amends the Tax Code to clarify the appraisal process for single-family residential real property, replacing the term "residence homestead" with "single-family residential real property" and ensuring that the appraised value for the first tax year equals the market value. It introduces limitations on increases in appraised value based on inflation and population growth, with the comptroller responsible for annual calculations. The bill also outlines eligibility requirements for appraisal review board members and specifies ineligibility criteria for certain individuals. Most provisions of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, with some contingent upon voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 5.12, Tax Code 5.13, Tax Code 6.03, Tax Code 6.032, Tax Code 6.04, Tax Code 6.051, Tax Code 6.052, Tax Code 6.06, Tax Code 6.061, Tax Code 6.15, Tax Code 6.41, Tax Code 6.42, Tax Code 23.23, Tax Code 1201.2055, Tax Code 6.412, Government Code 403.302 (Government Code 403, Tax Code 6, Tax Code 1201, Tax Code 5, Tax Code 23)