HB 2188, a new Texas law that became effective June 18, 2007, makes confidential any information about properties that an appraisal district obtains from private sources. Because of the law, we are no longer able to publicly disclose (or display on our website) property sales information we obtain from private sources. Sales books are no longer available for public inspection in our customer service department, and sales information will not reside on our website. Sales that we used or considered in arriving at a particular value will continue to be available to owners who timely file a value protest, and will be included in their requested material. This law in no way affects the districts' ability to use sales, regardless of from whom they were obtained, in the valuation process. A property owner or agent who receives confidential sales information from Galveston Central Appraisal District in conjunction with the protest evidence is required by HB 2188 to hold that information in confidence. Failure to do so is a criminal violation of the Texas Public Information Act.

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	Legislative Update
	Effective Sept 1, 2005: Appraisal Districts websites will no longer be allowed to display photographs and building sketches for all properties. In accordance with Senate Bill 541, as passed by the Texas Legislature, information in appraisal records may not be posted on the Internet if the information is a photograph, sketch, or floor plan of an improvement to real property. back to top