(a) If land that has been appraised under this subchapter for at least five preceding years is converted to production of timber after September 1, 1997, the owner may elect to have the land continue to be appraised under this subchapter for 15 years after the date of the conversion, so long as the land qualifies for appraisal as timber land under Subchapter E. In that event, the land is deemed to be the same category of land under this subchapter as it was immediately before conversion to timber production.
(b) The election must be made by a new application filed as provided by § 23.54 and remains in effect for 15 years or until a change in use of the land occurs.

(c) This section applies to the appraisal of land converted to timber production only until the end of the tax year in which the 15th anniversary of the date of the conversion occurs. In the 16th and subsequent years, the land shall be appraised as timber land as provided by Subchapter E, so long as it qualifies as timber land under Subchapter E.