Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1757

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  
Report Pass
3/9/23  
Refer
3/13/23  
Engrossed
4/20/23  
Refer
4/21/23  
Refer
1/15/24  
Report Pass
2/26/24  
Enrolled
3/7/24  
Chaptered
3/25/24  

Caption

Providing a sales and use tax remittance to qualified farmers.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1757 is expected to provide significant economic relief to farmers, potentially leading to more robust agricultural production and stability in local economies dependent on farming. By remitting taxes, the bill could enhance farmers' investment capacity and cultivate a more favorable business environment. In terms of state laws, it may require adjustments to existing tax regulations to accommodate the new refund system, but the overarching aim remains to support and sustain agricultural operations across the state.

Summary

House Bill 1757 aims to provide a sales and use tax remittance for qualified farmers, thereby alleviating some financial burdens associated with agricultural operations. The bill is intended to enhance the economic viability of farming by allowing farmers who meet specified qualifications to receive a refund on sales and use taxes that they have collected, which can contribute to improved cash flow and operational sustainability. Supporters argue that this measure is essential in supporting local agriculture, which faces increasing challenges from market fluctuations and unpredictable weather conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1757 appears to be largely positive among agricultural advocates and farmers, who view it as a necessary support mechanism for the industry. Legislative discussions indicate a strong recognition of the hardships faced by the farming community, with many expressing that the bill is a step forward in addressing those challenges. However, there are also concerns from opponents regarding the bill’s fiscal implications and how it may influence state revenue in the long term.

Contention

While support for HB 1757 is significant within agricultural circles, some lawmakers have raised questions concerning the scalability of the tax remittance, suggesting that such measures could set precedents that may lead to broader fiscal challenges. Additionally, there are concerns about how the qualifications for farmers to receive these remittances will be determined and enforced, which could lead to administrative complexities in the implementation of the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1717

Creating a sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing.

WA SB5591

Creating a sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing.

WA HB1052

Providing a property tax exemption for qualified real and personal property owned or used by a nonprofit entity in providing qualified housing funded in whole or part through a local real estate excise tax.

WA SB5647

Providing a real estate excise tax exemption for the sale of qualified affordable housing.

WA SB5218

Revised for 1st Substitute: Providing a sales and use tax exemption for mobility enhancing equipment for use by or for a complex needs patient.Original: Providing a sales and use tax exemption for complex rehabilitation technology products.

WA SB5289

Providing a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm machinery and equipment.

WA SB5092

Providing a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm machinery and equipment.

WA HB2183

Prohibiting elected officials from including their name on remittances resulting from a lawsuit.

WA SB5553

Providing a sales and use tax incentive for multifamily affordable housing.

WA HB1924

Providing a sales and use tax exemption for manufacturing facilities and green manufacturing facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.