Ad valorem tax; county tax commissioner duties; revise provisions
Impact
The key impact of this bill is the formalization and regulation of how county tax commissioners can interact with municipalities regarding tax assessments. By establishing specific guidelines for how municipalities can contract county tax commissioners, this bill aims to create a clearer framework for the collection of municipal taxes, which may lead to increased revenue for municipalities while potentially easing the administrative burden on local governments. However, it may also generate debates about financial implications and accountability regarding tax collections.
Summary
House Bill 42 aims to revise the provisions related to the duties of county tax commissioners concerning the assessment and collection of municipal taxes and fees in Georgia. The bill allows municipalities to enter into contracts with their respective county tax commissioners for the preparation of municipal tax digests and the assessment and collection of municipal taxes in a manner similar to that used for county taxes. These contracts must be negotiated as three-party agreements involving the municipality, the county, and the tax commissioner, and they are limited to the tax commissioner's current term of office plus the subsequent year.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 42 may arise from concerns about the obligations placed on municipalities in regard to compensation and transparency in contracts with the county tax commissioner. Depending on how the terms of these contracts are structured, there could be criticism regarding whether municipal governments will face increased costs that offset the benefits of using county tax commissioner's services. Additionally, the stipulation that the county tax commissioner can retain fees for additional duties may raise questions about equitable revenue distribution among municipalities, particularly smaller ones with fewer resources.
Ad Valorem Taxation; state revenue commissioner to contract with the board of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia to offer certain county tax commissioners the option to participate in a state administered deferred compensation plan; require
Directs the commissioner of administration, the commissioner of higher education, and statewide elected officials to review certain state contracts to identify any that can be terminated and report to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget by March 1, 2016 (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requires certain quasi public and nongovernmental entities to submit information to the legislative auditor and be approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to receiving state monies or assistance
To Amend The Arkansas Prepaid Funeral Benefits Law; To Regulate Prepaid Benefits Contracts; And To Enhance The Administration Of The Arkansas Prepaid Funeral Benefits Law.
Requires certain quasi public and nongovernmental entities to submit information to the legislative auditor and be approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to receiving state monies or assistance (RE +$135,000 GF EX See Note)