Sec. 23.87.  PENALTY FOR VIOLATING DEED RESTRICTION.  (a)  If land appraised under this subchapter is used for other than recreational, park, or scenic uses before the term of the deed restriction expires, a penalty is imposed on the land equal to the difference between the taxes imposed on the land for the year in which the violation occurs and the amount that would have been imposed for that year had the land not been restricted to recreational, park, or scenic uses.
(b)  The chief appraiser shall make an entry in the appraisal records for the land against which the penalty is imposed indicating liability for the penalty and shall deliver a written notice of imposition of the penalty to the person who filed the application for appraisal under this subchapter.  The notice shall include a brief explanation of the procedures for protesting the imposition of the penalty.
(c)  The assessor for each taxing unit that imposed taxes on the land on the basis of appraisal under this subchapter shall add the amount of the penalty to the unit's tax bill for taxes on the land against which the penalty is imposed.  The penalty shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the taxes on the land against which the penalty is imposed.  The amount of the penalty constitutes a lien on the land against which the penalty is imposed and accrues penalties and interest in the same manner as a delinquent tax.
Added by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., 1st C.S., p. 149, ch. 13, Sec. 79, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.