JBC approves half of Taxation Services staffing request amid HR1 uncertainty

The Taxation Business Group's R3 proposal sought $2.1 million in year‑one general‑fund support and 23 full‑time positions to expand taxpayer assistance following implementation of HR1. John Catlett summarized the department’s rationale: HR1 is a novel change that the department expects will increase service demands and strain call‑center metrics.

Senator Mobley and other members questioned whether 23 FTE was the appropriate scale; several suggested partial funding could help while avoiding a large general‑fund commitment. "I think the department said they submitted the leaner request," Catlett said, adding staff acknowledged the need but did not recommend full funding because the positions are GF‑funded and staff lacked sufficient data on anticipated call volumes.

After discussion, Vice Chair Bridal moved to fund half of the department’s R3 request; the motion passed 6–0. The committee asked staff to return with mid‑year call‑center statistics, carryforward details for personal‑services lines, and clearer fiscal impacts to inform any further funding decisions.