Relating to the continuing education required in order for a person to renew the person's agreement with the comptroller of public accounts to serve as an arbitrator in an appeal through binding arbitration of an appraisal review board order determining a protest.
Summary
HB 3307 updates the continuing education requirements for people who want to renew their agreement with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to serve as arbitrators in binding arbitration appeals of appraisal review board protest orders. Under current law, arbitrators must already meet certain eligibility standards and complete continuing education; this bill keeps that framework but clarifies and expands the training requirement. Specifically, an arbitrator seeking renewal must complete at least eight hours of continuing education in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution during the prior two years, with the training offered by certain educational or professional organizations or approved for continuing legal education.
The bill also adds a new requirement tied to property tax law training. If the comptroller substantially revises the arbitrator training program under Section 5.043 after a person has already been placed in the registry, that person must complete the revised program within 120 days after it becomes available. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026, and applies to the renewal of arbitrator agreements going forward, affecting the comptroller’s administration of the arbitrator registry and the qualifications of individuals who hear property tax arbitration appeals.
Impact
HB 3307 amends Section 41A.061 of the Texas Tax Code, affecting the standards for renewing an arbitrator agreement with the comptroller for property tax binding arbitration cases. It imposes a specific continuing education requirement and a deadline for completing any substantially revised property tax law training program, thereby tightening administrative oversight of arbitrator qualifications and training. The practical effect is on arbitrators, the comptroller’s office, and parties involved in appraisal review board protest appeals.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House with overwhelming support, passed the Senate unanimously, and the House later concurred in Senate amendments by a wide margin. The voting history suggests general agreement that the training and renewal standards for arbitrators should be updated and clarified.
Contention
There is little evidence of major contention in the available record. The only notable issue reflected in the text is the added obligation for arbitrators to complete a revised training program within 120 days if the comptroller substantially revises it, which could be seen as an added compliance burden. However, the strong bipartisan votes and lack of committee transcript opposition indicate that any concerns were limited or resolved during the legislative process.
Identical
Relating to the continuing education required in order for a person to renew the person's agreement with the comptroller of public accounts to serve as an arbitrator in an appeal through binding arbitration of an appraisal review board order determining a protest.
Relating to the continuing education required in order for a person to renew the person's agreement with the comptroller of public accounts to serve as an arbitrator in an appeal through binding arbitration of an appraisal review board order determining a protest.
Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.
Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.
Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.
Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.
Requires employment and consumer dispute arbitrations to be submitted to neutral third party arbitrators; establishes prohibited arbitration agreements and provisions; requires disclosure of information by certain arbitrators.