The solution

We're leading the fight to ease the long-term financial burdens on San Antonio's homeowners. Here's a look at legislation we supported during the 81st Texas Legislature that passed:

• House Bill 8 ensures increased oversight of appraisal districts.
• House Bill 3613 allows for a residential homestead to be appraised as a residence, not on the basis of the “highest and best use” appraisal standard.
• Senate Bill 771 mandates appraisal methods, gives consumers alternatives to costly lawsuits when appealing a ruling by an appraisal review board, and adds CPAs to the list of people qualified to act as arbitrators.
• House Joint Resolution 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to make appraisal practices more uniform. This will be on the statewide ballot Nov. 3, 2009.