Study on sales-tax diversions approved; amendment adds tourism marketing representative

House Bill 898 would create a sales tax diversion study committee to examine whether sales-tax diversions are being distributed properly to municipalities, a presenter told the panel. The bill stems from complaints by cities that some businesses report addresses (for example a home address or corporate office) that can cause tax revenues to be allocated to the wrong locality.

Senator Johnson offered an amendment "to add a representative of a destination marketing organization appointed by the lieutenant governor," which the presiding officer called and the panel adopted by voice vote. Senator Barrett asked whether the study would include diversions from businesses located in counties (for example, retail chains such as Dollar General); the presenter replied the study is limited to municipalities only and pointed to bill lines 14–25 that describe the scope.

A motion that the title was sufficient and that House Bill 898 "do pass as amended" was approved by voice vote; the presiding officer then moved to rise and report. The transcript records no roll-call tally or the names of the motion mover and seconder. The legislation creates a study committee intended to identify whether distribution problems exist and recommend any statutory or administrative fixes.