Senate approves changes to property tax assessments, telecom treatment and power-export exemption in SB20
February 15, 2022 | 2022 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
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Senate Bill 20, carrying technical corrections to property-tax administration and a new approach to taxing power producers that export electricity out of state, passed the Utah Senate on Feb. 15.
Senator Bramble, the sponsor, said the third substitute fixes “technical corrections dealing with new growth and the timing for the coordination on property tax assessments for telecommunications companies” and will treat all telecommunications companies as locally assessed rather than split between central and local assessment. He also described a provision that pro-rates an existing 14% property tax exemption for power-producing agencies based on the percentage of power consumed in Utah rather than applying the exemption to exported power.
“The tax exemption only pertains to the percentage of power consumed in the state of Utah,” Bramble said during floor debate. He and other supporters framed the measure as preventing Utah taxpayers from subsidizing out-of-state customers.
Senators asked whether county assessors have the capacity to take on assessments shifted from central assessment; Bramble said the substitute includes negotiated timing language developed with county assessors, the Utah Association of Counties and industry representatives to allow time to prepare. Senator Winterton asked specifically if counties would have the resources; Bramble responded that the substitute gives assessors the necessary authority and timing to implement the change.
Senator Owens rose in support, calling the bill “good policy for our state” and saying it would benefit taxpayers.
After limited floor discussion, Bramble moved final passage. The third substitute passed on a roll-call vote recorded as 25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent, and will be transmitted to the House for consideration.
Action and next steps: The Senate’s passage sends the third substitute of SB20 to the House. Any further amendments or changes would be considered by the House or in conference between chambers if necessary.
Senator Bramble, the sponsor, said the third substitute fixes “technical corrections dealing with new growth and the timing for the coordination on property tax assessments for telecommunications companies” and will treat all telecommunications companies as locally assessed rather than split between central and local assessment. He also described a provision that pro-rates an existing 14% property tax exemption for power-producing agencies based on the percentage of power consumed in Utah rather than applying the exemption to exported power.
“The tax exemption only pertains to the percentage of power consumed in the state of Utah,” Bramble said during floor debate. He and other supporters framed the measure as preventing Utah taxpayers from subsidizing out-of-state customers.
Senators asked whether county assessors have the capacity to take on assessments shifted from central assessment; Bramble said the substitute includes negotiated timing language developed with county assessors, the Utah Association of Counties and industry representatives to allow time to prepare. Senator Winterton asked specifically if counties would have the resources; Bramble responded that the substitute gives assessors the necessary authority and timing to implement the change.
Senator Owens rose in support, calling the bill “good policy for our state” and saying it would benefit taxpayers.
After limited floor discussion, Bramble moved final passage. The third substitute passed on a roll-call vote recorded as 25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent, and will be transmitted to the House for consideration.
Action and next steps: The Senate’s passage sends the third substitute of SB20 to the House. Any further amendments or changes would be considered by the House or in conference between chambers if necessary.
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