Latest news with #SB203
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three income tax bills pass first hurdles— but none are what the governor ordered
Photo illustration by Getty Images. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has made it clear that he wants the Legislature to pass income tax cuts for the third time since his election in 2020. This session, he wants to lower the state's top tax rate — the rate most Montanans pay — by a full percentage point during the next two years. But the legislation he is backing — touted in his budget proposal last year, his State of the State address in January, and in multiple press conferences throughout the legislative session — has stalled in the Senate, while different proposals that take a narrower focus of lowering taxes for middle-income earners have received bipartisan support from lawmakers. The governor's preferred proposal, Senate Bill 323, carried by Sen. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, had a hearing before the Senate Taxation Committee earlier this week. The bill would lower the top tax bracket (Montana has two brackets) from 5.9% to 5.4% next year, and down to 4.9% the following year. It would also expand the earned income tax credit from 10% to 15%. The bill was tabled in committee. On Wednesday, Kassmier made a motion to blast the bill out of committee to the floor in order to let the entire Senate debate its merits, but the motion failed. 'While I join all Montanans in being disappointed with the Senate's vote yesterday, I am optimistic that by working together, we can get (income tax cuts) done for the Montanans who sent us here. And we must,' Gianforte said at a press conference on Thursday. Meanwhile, two competing proposals that were also tabled in committees, Senate Bill 203, brought by Sen. Mike Yakawich, R-Billings, and Senate Bill 546, brought by Sen. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish, were blasted to the floor on Wednesday. Yakawich's bill passed an initial Senate vote earlier this week 47-3 before the Senate Finance and Claims Committee tabled it. Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, who leads the taxation committee, said he supported the 'good bipartisan bill' coming back to the floor for a final vote, drawing contrasts to Kassmier's bill. 'We know 323 was tabled. And the reason why? It started at the top,' Hertz said. 'We're starting at the bottom here. It's a middle class tax cut. If you don't want to bring this to the floor, you're voting against a middle-class tax cut.' Rather than cut the top tax bracket rate, SB 203 would expand the lower bracket — taxed at 4.7% — to include individuals making as much as $100,000. For married couples filing jointly the bracket delineation would be at $200,000, which Yakawich has said will cover up to the 90th percentile of earners. SB 203 passed the Senate in a final vote Thursday 31-19 and was sent to the House. In convincing the Senate to hear SB 546 on the floor, Fern called it the 'largest middle-class tax cut that's being presented.' 'I have one of the best kept secrets in this chamber. This is great competition for middle class tax cuts. And I would love the opportunity to present this innovative, interesting, out of the box bill to all of you.' The blast motion was successful, and the Senate debated the measure during Thursday's session. Rather than tinker with the income tax rates, Fern's proposal would create an income-based tax credit targeting exclusively the lower and middle income taxpayers. While he called the text a 'mouthful,' Fern said the Middle Income Tax Reduction, MITR, would subtract a percentage of a filer's tax liability, starting at 4.7% of taxable income and stepping down a percentage for additional income. Using a teacher filing jointly as an example, with a Montana taxable income of $70,000, Fern said those folks would receive about $930 as a tax credit. 'I suggest that MITR is the best bill that targets what I call a silent majority of our citizens and taxpayers. The MITR assures savings and spending so that dollars stay at home,' Fern said. 'We're not treating our middle class taxpayers, I think, with the respect they deserve.' Speaking in opposition to the bill, Hertz said that lawmakers faced a decision over two bills that both cost $200 million a year. '(We) can't have both of them. We're going to have to choose one or the other. Although we might be able to do a hybrid method.' He said Fern's bill was too complicated by essentially creating '50 new tax brackets' due to the percentage-graded credit. He also expressed concern that it would make it harder for tax software companies to tailor their products for Montana, which presents a small portion of their customer base. 'It doesn't meet my simplification test,' he said. In support, Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, said he was happy to see Democrats bring forth an income tax bill — which the party traditionally has opposed — specifically one so focused on lower-income earners. 'For years, the income tax reduction proposals that have come here have done the same thing. They've primarily benefited taxpayers at the highest level,' Flowers said. 'And who needs an income tax reduction? Is it somebody making $500,000 a year? No.' Fern said that the bill could be amended to mesh with Yakawich's, if the Legislature found that to be the best compromise on policy. The chamber passed the bill 28-21. The other major income tax cut bill moving through the Legislature is House Bill 337, introduced by Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage. Ler's bill falls in between the Yakawich proposal and the governor's plan, It contains both a slight reduction in the top tax rate from 5.9% to 5.4%, and an expansion of the lower, 4.7% bracket up to $70,000 for individual filers, and $100,000 for joint filers. Tax day is less than two weeks away, and on the House floor Monday, Ler said he'd heard from many folks who were getting hit on their taxes from last year. His bill, he said, would benefit everyone. 'This bill is aimed to lowering all income tax brackets. This will help all Montanans whether you're low income or high income,' Ler said. The measure passed along party lines. In his press conference Thursday, Gianforte said that proposals aimed at expanding the lower tax bracket 'only benefit a portion of Montanans.' 'Carving out special groups and giving special breaks to special interests or special groups of Montanans is just not fair,' the governor said. Pushed by reporters whether he was concerned that higher income Montanans wouldn't receive a tax cut, Gianforte reiterated that his ultimate goal was to create a single, flat-tax rate for everyone. 'It's just basically fair,' he said. 'You have a fairer system because everyone shares the burden based on their income level.' He said that while his goal was to get a full 1% decrease in the top tax rate, 'there can be honest debate about how much to reduce the top rate.' He added that no lawmakers had approached him to discuss alternate tax plans. 'If there's a concern in the Legislature, let's have a discussion,' he said. 'None of those legislators have come to me to talk to me about an alternative proposal, so I would welcome the discussion. Let's get around the table and figure this out for the people of Montana.'
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
New Arkansas Law Paves Way for Lift-Serviced Mountain Bike Parks
With its signing into law this week, Arkansas' Senate Bill 203 paves the way for lift-serviced mountain bike parks in the Natural State. SB 203 legally defines 'recreational tramways' and acknowledges that outdoor activities 'have inherent risks that are essentially impossible to eliminate by outdoor recreation operators and recreational tramway operators.' 'The crux of the bill is that these are inherently dangerous activities," the bill's co-sponsor, Rep. John Maddox of Mena, told House Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development committee members earlier. "We're just going to make it clear that if you are going to ride a mountain bike down a mountain, there's a chance you're going to hurt yourself, and you are assuming the risk.' The bill details the responsibilities of lift operators, including in part safe operation and maintenance of the lift, signs advising riders to seek advice if they are not familiar with riding a lift, annual inspections of lifts, trail signage at the top of lifts, and requirements that lifts be in compliance with ANSI Ski Lift Code. The new law also outlines customers' assumptions of risk, stating 'a participant in an outdoor recreation activity shall be presumed to have known the inherent risks of the outdoor recreation activity in which he or she participates.' Liability of tramway operators and outdoor recreation operators is also laid out, stating in part that operators are only liable if they commit 'an act or omission related to an outdoor recreation activity that is intentional, reckless, grossly negligent, or negligent regarding the safety of an individual or property and that act or omission proximately causes injury to or the death of the individual or damage to property.' With the new law in place, legal coverage for the OZ Trails and Mena bike parks in development is established. The OZ Trail Bike Park in Bella Vista will feature a Poma-Leitner high-speed chairlift that accesses downhill trails, and the Trails at Mena–a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas State Parks and the City of Mena–will include three chairlifts servicing 100 miles of trails with about 1,300 feet of vertical elevation. Construction of both parks is scheduled to begin this year. Outdoor recreation is a $7.3 billion industry for Arkansas that creates more than 68,000 jobs and $2 billion in tax revenue, according to the recently released Heartland Forward report produced by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Read the complete text of SB 203 here.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Sanders signs tramway bill, touts tourism projects at GovCon
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill at the 51st annual Governor's Conference on Tourism that the general assembly says advances outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Gov. Sanders signed SB203 at GovCon on Tuesday, paving the way for the construction of a downhill mountain biking trail with chairlift service in Bella Vista. The bill specifies operator liability for tramways at state parks. The governor signed the bill following her speech at the governor's conference. In her speech, Gov. Sanders highlighted the steps local leaders have taken to grow the tourism industry in the state. 'I'm under no illusions that Arkansas tourism is breaking records because of the state government, but because of the people here in this room.' Gov. Sanders shared stories of business owners around the state that specialize in outdoor recreation. She says the state government is dedicated to uplifting these industries. 'Hunting and fishing guides, bike mechanics, trail builders, chefs, resort operators, innovators and entrepreneurs. I'm here to tell you that the state has your back,' Sanders said. According to the governor, 50 million visitors spent more than $10 billion in 2024, both of which are state records in tourism. She says these travelers support more than 70,000 jobs in The Natural State, adding roughly $800 million in state and local taxes. Gov. Sanders also highlighted The Natural State Initiative, led by First Gentlemen Bryan Sanders. Since its inception in 2023, the governor says the initiative to promote outdoor recreation has increased investments in trails and improved amenities, as well as offering tax credits and grant programs. Gov. Sanders also laid out her administration's plans for the future of tourism in the state. Mountain Biking Trails in Mena The governor highlighted the development of mountain biking trails in Mena. According to the Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation's master plan, this project will create more than 100 miles of trails, including 30 gravity-specific trails suited for mountain biking. Improvements to Petit Jean State Park The governor added that she plans to enhance Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton — Arkansas' very first state park. According to the project's master plan, this will include multi-use mountain biking trails, catered to cyclists of all skill levels. The project also aims to preserve the park's natural resources by removing invasive species. Completion of Delta Heritage Trail Gov. Sanders noted that the Delta Heritage Trail project is close to completion. So far, almost 70 miles of trail have already been completed in the 84-mile-long project. According to the project's plan, these trails will eventually cross the White and Arkansas rivers. Maumelle Pinnacles Lastly, the governor says she's excited to see the completion of the Maumelle Pinnacles project that began in late 2023. The goal of this project is to increase options for outdoor recreation at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, including cycling, horseback riding rock climbing, boating and hunting, among others. According to its master plan, the project also aims to protect drinking water at Pinnacle, as the park supplies 90% of Little Rock's fresh drinking water. Gov. Sanders concluded her speech at GovCon with Arkansas' growth in new visitors. She says that the state is the #1 destination for inbound movers. 'Arkansas is not only the best place to visit, it's the best to live, to work, to raise a family and to retire and something that we can all be proud of.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkansas tourism economy gains law promoting mountain bike parks
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks at the 51st annual Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism on Feb. 25, 2025 in Bentonville. (Screenshot from livestream) Arkansas' governor signed into law Tuesday a bill that lays the groundwork for developing lift-access downhill mountain bike parks, supporting her initiative to grow the state's outdoor recreation economy. Senate Bill 203 defines 'recreational tramways' for state parks and outlines liabilities and responsibilities of bike lift operators and mountain bikers who use the systems. Such systems are expected to be used in bike parks planned in Bella Vista and Mena. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed SB 203 after making remarks Tuesday morning at the 51st annual Arkansas Governor's Tourism Conference in Bentonville. The legislation supports the governor's Natural State Initiative, which has an advisory council chaired by her husband, and aims to advance outdoor recreation and its economy in Arkansas. Arkansas panel OKs bill easing the way for mountain bike chair lifts An 'enhanced lodge' at Petit Jean State Park and the completion of the Delta Heritage Trail are other projects planned in addition to the bike parks, according to Sanders, who said her administration 'will not take our foot off the gas.' 'Arkansas' tourism is booming,' she said. 'We are uniquely situated in the Heartland to offer world-class hiking, biking, climbing, floating, boating, hunting and fishing to millions of Americans. And because of our weather, we can offer access to epic outdoor adventures, 365 days a year.' Tuesday's bill signing comes a day after the release of a new Heartland Forward report that found outdoor recreation is a $7.3 billion industry for Arkansas that supports more than 68,000 jobs and generates nearly $2 billion in tax revenue. Heartland Forward is a 'policy think-and-do-tank' that serves as a resource for states and communities in the middle of the U.S., according to a press release. 'Arkansas is home to some of the country's most stunning natural landmarks, making the state a rich place to live and creating a thriving outdoor recreation industry that is key to economic success,' Heartland Forward Chairman and CEO Ross DeVol said in a statement. 'To maintain this momentum, we need strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and policy.' The Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Impact Report found that outdoor amenity construction's contribution to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 52.7% over the last four years, driven in part by the state's major expansion of bike trails. The growth of mountain biking, particularly in Northwest Arkansas, has been driven by projects backed by the Walton family. Walmart heirs Tom and Steuart Walton and their company, Runway Group, are developing the Bella Vista bike lift park. Tom is a member of the governor's Natural State Initiative Advisory Council. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: Utah Legislature's attack on judiciary is part of a dangerous trend to violate checks and balances
Utah's judicial system is under attack. A series of bills seeks to expand the power of government, weaken the ability of everyday Utahns to challenge government overreach and stretch thin our state's legal norms. In proposing these bills, some members of the Utah Legislature appear all too ready to participate in the newest political trend — caring little for future ramifications and delighting in chipping away at the checks and balances of the judicial branch. No matter how trendy, these efforts must be opposed. SB203 significantly limits how groups can challenge harmful laws passed by the legislative branch. SJR9 needlessly narrows the window for plaintiffs to file suit to challenge an unconstitutional law, while SB204 creates special rules that make it easier for the Legislature to appeal a ruling against them. HB412 would eliminate a requirement that boards and commissions with oversight of the judiciary be bipartisan. HB512 and HB451 would increase opportunities for politicians to add their own nominees to the judiciary and make retention of qualified judges on the bench more difficult for voters, unnecessarily introducing party politics into and elevating the voices of partisan lawmakers in the judicial retention process. SB296 would inexplicably insert both the executive and legislative branches into the affairs of the Utah Supreme Court, encouraging more, rather than less, political interference into a branch of government that should be independent. So many bills with a direct impact on the judiciary and its role in limiting legislative power have been proposed this session, it is difficult to view it as a coincidence. Coordinated effort or not, the result is a slicing away of one check or balance after another that, when taken together, will blunt the protections of Utah's constitution. Several of the preceding bills are on such shaky constitutional ground that they will almost certainly face lengthy legal challenges. These legal battles will cost taxpayers money unnecessarily, and, even if the laws survive challenge, none of these bills will have an upside for anyone living in the Beehive State beyond elected officials looking to expand their influence on judges, avoid accountability or skirt our state's constitution. Alarmingly, these bills are not locally driven responses to isolated policies in need of fixing. Instead, they appear to be targeted retaliation against previous efforts by Utahns to assert their constitutional rights and oppose government overreach. After Utah courts acted to protect the people's rights, the Legislature has responded by attempting to insulate themselves from anyone who would check their power. And the backlash is not subtle. These bills, taken together, would result in weakening the judiciary's ability to check the executive and legislative power balance, opening the door for lawmakers to more easily pass unconstitutional and unpopular laws with no consequences. The Utah State Bar has rightly come out in opposition to the majority of these proposed bills, and lawyers and non-lawyers in the state should share its concern. More critically, members of the Utah Legislature should remember that the job they have been elected to do is to preserve the power of the people, not increase their own. We must resist this political trend of expanding one branch of government at the expense of the judicial branch within the borders of our own state or it will become the norm. The norm will numb us, resulting in a system and set of laws biased toward a select few. Judicial norms and constitutional processes have never been flashy or trendy — but that is exactly why they must be preserved; these norms and processes will preserve us and our state. This latest power grab by the Legislature needs checking now and consistently until this trend reverses and the critical checks and balances of our state government are respected once again.
