(a) The eligibility of land for appraisal under this subchapter does not end because the land ceases to be devoted principally to agricultural use to the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area if the owner of the land:
(1) is a member of the armed services of the United States who is deployed or stationed outside this state; and
(2) intends that the use of the land in that manner and to that degree of intensity be resumed not later than the 180th day after the date the owner ceases to be deployed or stationed outside this state.
(b) The owner of land to which this section applies must notify the appraisal office in writing not later than the 30th day after the date the owner is deployed or stationed outside this state that the owner:
(1) will be or has been deployed or stationed outside this state; and
(2) intends to use the land in the manner, to the degree, and within the time described by Subsection (a)(2).