The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes amendments of §9.4009, concerning appraisal of recreation, park, and scenic land. We are also proposing amendments to the title of Subchapter I from Validation Procedures to Valuation Procedures. These amendments are to correct the title and to reflect updates and revisions to the guidelines for the appraisal of recreational, park, and scenic land.

The amendment proposes to adopt guidelines for the appraisal of recreational, park, and scenic land. The guidelines specify the methods to apply and procedures to use in appraising land that qualifies for special appraisal as recreational, park, and scenic land. The proposed amendment provides that appraisal districts are required to follow the procedures and methods set out in the guidelines.

Tom Currah, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, there will be no significant revenue impact on the state or units of local government.

Mr. Currah also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be by improving the administration of local property valuation and taxation. The proposed amendment would have no fiscal impact on small businesses. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed rule.

Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Mike Esparza, Director, Property Tax Assistance Division, P.O. Box 13528 Austin, Texas 78711. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

These amendments are proposed under Tax Code, §5.05 (Appraisal Manuals and Other Materials) and §23.83 (Appraisal of Restricted Land) which provide the comptroller with the authority to prepare and issue publications relating to the appraisal of property and to promulgate rules specifying the methods to apply and the procedures to use in appraising recreational, park, or scenic lands, respectively, for ad valorem tax purposes.

These amendments implement Tax Code, §23.83 (Appraisal of Restricted Land).