The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes new §9.103, concerning audits of school district taxable property values. In addressing the requirements concerning audits to revise findings of the Property Value Study under Government Code, §403.302(h), new §9.103 serves several purposes. New §9.103 identifies and describes the required submission of specific data sets and related forms to be included with all requests for audit. The circumstances under which a limited request for audit will be accepted is clarified. New §9.103 also provides stringent conditions under which a request submitted with incomplete data will be accepted. In addition, new §9.103 clarifies the definitions section; eliminates certain deadlines and clarifies others; updates references regarding the Property Tax Assistance Division of the comptroller's office and its operations; and eliminates the requirement to adopt certain audit forms by rule. The repeal of existing §9.103 is being proposed by a separate filing.

Tom Currah, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that during the first five years that the proposed new rule is in effect, the rule: will not create or eliminate a government program; will not require the creation or elimination of employee positions; will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; will not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; will not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules' applicability; and will not positively or adversely affect this state's economy. This proposal creates a new rule that replaces an existing rule.

Mr. Currah also has determined that the proposed new rule would have no significant fiscal impact on small businesses or rural communities. The new rule would have no significant fiscal impact on the state government, units of local government, or individuals. There would be no anticipated significant economic cost to the public and the rule will benefit the public by improving administration of local property valuation and taxation.

Comments on the proposed new section may be submitted to Mike Esparza, Director, Property Tax Assistance Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711 or to the email address: ptad.rulecomments@cpa.texas.gov. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The new section is proposed under Government Code, §403.302(h) (Determination of School District Property Values) and §403.303(c)(Protest) which authorizes the comptroller to adopt procedural rules governing the conduct of protest hearings.

The new section implements Government Code, §403.302(h) (Determination of School District Property Values) and §403.303(c) (Protest).