SB 2452 – Protects taxpayers from biased valuations

SB 2452 puts a stop to performance-based pay schemes that incentivize chief appraisers to push property values higher. While current law already bars direct pay incentives based on increasing property values, some appraisal districts have worked around this rule with vague contract terms. This bill closes that loophole by banning any form of compensation—direct or indirect—tied to the expectation that values will go up. It strengthens taxpayer protections by helping ensure property appraisals are based on reality, not budget padding or performance targets. This prevents a conflict of interest where the people setting your property value have a personal financial stake in raising it. It also promotes a neutral and trustworthy appraisal process, helping to prevent backdoor tax increases