1. (a) On acceptance of an appointment to conduct an arbitration under this chapter, the arbitrator shall set the date, time, and place of a hearing on the arbitration. The arbitrator shall give notice of and conduct the hearing in the manner provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 171, Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The arbitrator:

   1. (1) shall continue a hearing if both parties agree to the continuance; and
   2. (2) may continue a hearing for reasonable cause.

2. (b) The parties to an arbitration proceeding under this chapter may represent themselves or may be represented by:

   1. (1) an employee of the appraisal district;
   2. (2) an attorney who is licensed in this state;
   3. (3) a person who is licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson under Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, or is licensed or certified as a real estate appraiser under Chapter 1103, Occupations Code; or
   4. (4) a property tax consultant registered under Chapter 1152, Occupations Code.

3. (b) The parties to an arbitration proceeding under this chapter may be represented by an attorney or by a property tax consultant, real estate appraiser, or real estate broker acting under power of attorney. An employee of the appraisal district may represent the appraisal district in the arbitration proceeding. A person may not serve as a party representative, present evidence, or make arguments in an arbitration proceeding under this chapter unless the person:

   1. (1) is an employee of the appraisal district;
   2. (2) is a licensed attorney in this state;
   3. (3) is licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson under Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, or is licensed or certified as a real estate appraiser under Chapter 1103, Occupations Code; or
   4. (4) is a property tax consultant registered under Chapter 1152, Occupations Code.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 372 (S.B. 1351), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 912 (H.B. 182), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.