Balancing Accuracy and Affordability in Property Assessment Upgrades

This bill seeks to provide SDAT with advanced digital tools to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and fairness of property assessments. Counties rely on fair and accurate assessments, as property tax revenue supports core local services. Property assessment is a core State function, and statewide tools should remain a State responsibility. Given the substantial local funding commitment to the Department, counties should have a formal role when decisions directly affect costs imposed on local governments. From MACo Testimony:HB 176 requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to expand the use of advanced imagery tools to improve property assessment accuracy and efficiency.