House Bill No. 4809 amends the Texas Tax Code to provide specific guidelines for the appraisal of properties that qualify for exemptions as historic or archaeological sites. The bill introduces a new definition of "historic site," which includes both the structure and the necessary land for access and use. It mandates that when determining the market value of such properties, the chief appraiser must take into account any restrictions on the property owner's ability to alter, improve, or repair the property due to its designation as a historic site.
The provisions of this bill will apply to the appraisal of qualifying properties for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. This change aims to ensure that the unique circumstances surrounding historic and archaeological sites are appropriately considered in their valuation for ad valorem tax purposes.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Tax Code 23.013 (Tax Code 23)