State law requires a 21-step hearing process. To save time for your presentation, you may choose to review 6 of these preliminary steps in writing rather than hearing them read aloud by the Panel Chair.

Preliminary Steps Summary

• Independence & Rights: The ARB is an independent panel, appointed to perform an independent review of your protest, and not employees of the appraisal district. You have the right to appeal our decision and may complete a voluntary experience survey.  You will be provided appeal information with our determination by mail.
• Evidence Exchange: All evidence (documents, digital files, photographs, charts, tables, spreadsheets etc.) must be exchanged with the Appraisal District representative before the hearing begins.
• Conflict of Interest: Panel members have had no prior communication regarding your protest and have signed affidavits to that effect. Copies are available at the ARB front counter.
• Timing & Procedures: Hearings are approximately 15 minutes per protest. The panel follows the State Comptroller’s Model Hearing Procedures (previously mailed to you).
• Appraiser Disclosure: If you are a licensed or certified appraiser, you must disclose if you are testifying in that professional capacity.
• Sworn Testimony: All testimony must be given under oath.

Verbal Consent

By providing verbal consent at the start of your hearing, you acknowledge these steps have been covered. The Panel Chair will then skip the formal reading of the steps listed above and proceed directly to the remaining steps of the Model Hearings Procedures.