Committee advances bill updating truth-in-taxation examples on ballot materials

The committee returned House Bill 2289 with a due-pass recommendation after staff described the measure as an update to examples used in truth-in-taxation notices and election pamphlets.

Vince Perez, research analyst for Ways and Means, told members the bill makes coordinated changes to required tax-impact examples and ballot informational pamphlets, adding a $400,000 owner-occupied home example to reflect current market values. Kevin McCarthy, president of the Arizona Tax Research Association, testified in support and said the change updates examples to be more appropriate for modern property values; he noted the current bill omits a provision that prompted a veto in a prior year.

Members briefly discussed concerns that updating the examples could understate impacts for some taxpayers or reduce comparative transparency. After a motion to return the bill with a due-pass recommendation, the committee approved the bill (committee recorded vote reported as 5 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent) and adjourned.