Committee advances bill allowing heavy-equipment rental companies to charge up to 2% recovery fee

The Assembly Committee on Revenue advanced Senate Bill 196, which would allow heavy-equipment rental companies to charge a recovery fee not to exceed 2 percent of the rental price to offset personal property taxes levied on their equipment.

Michael Nakamoto of the fiscal analysis division told the committee that SB196 "allows heavy equipment rental companies to charge a recovery fee not to exceed 2% of the rental price of heavy equipment to offset personal property taxes levied on their heavy equipment." The bill also clarifies that the term "rental charge" does not include any other separately stated charges for recovery of the property taxes on heavy equipment rental property, he said. No amendments were offered during the work session.

Assembly member Wynne moved to do pass SB196, seconded by Assembly member Gray. Assembly member Flanagan said she would "vote yes to get it out of committee, but I reserve my right to vote no on the floor." The committee recorded a no vote from Vice Chair Considine; the motion carried. Chair Backus assigned the floor statement to Assembly member Hafen.

Committee members did not request additional staff work on the bill during the session. The panel then opened public comment; no callers or in-person commenters spoke during this meeting.