Committee advances miscellaneous tax bill amid concerns over meals-and-rooms transfer and rulemaking authority

The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced H933, a miscellaneous tax bill, after a brief debate about funding shifts and rulemaking authority.

Committee members said finance had moved approximately $10 million by adjusting how the meals‑and‑rooms tax is split, which affects the general fund. Senator Westman raised concerns about that change and other line‑item moves. Members also noted the bill removes some rule‑making authority from Fish and Wildlife; the committee discussed whether to take the matter up in a different committee (natural resources) for additional testimony rather than resolving it in appropriations.

A motion was made to move H933 favorably out of committee. Members emphasized that voting "no" on the floor is an option for senators with concerns and that amendments could still be offered on the chamber floor. The committee recorded mixed answers during roll call: some senators voted yes while others voted no. The motion advanced the bill from committee.

Next steps: H933 will proceed to the next stage of the legislative process; senators who registered concerns said they would consider amendments or floor debate to address the meals‑and‑rooms transfer and the rulemaking authority change.