Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD136

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

An Act to Transfer the Responsibility for Tax Expenditure Review from the Government Oversight Committee to the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation

Impact

The passage of LD136 would represent a significant shift in how tax expenditures are overseen in the state. This change could lead to a more rigorous and prioritized examination of tax incentives aimed at businesses, which might enhance their effectiveness and alignment with economic goals. By focusing on expenditures that incentivize business activities over those geared towards individual relief, the bill sets a clear direction for fiscal policy priorities in upcoming evaluations.

Summary

LD136 seeks to transfer the responsibility for reviewing tax expenditures from the Government Oversight Committee to the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. The bill aims to streamline the evaluation process of tax expenditures by centralizing it under the committee that directly deals with taxation issues. By doing so, it is anticipated that the review process will be more focused on fiscal policy implications and aligned with the objectives of the tax framework set out by the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD136 appears generally supportive among those who advocate for increased efficiency in government operations and targeted fiscal incentives. Proponents argue that this shift could improve the scrutiny of tax expenditures and ensure that they serve their intended economic purpose. However, there may be concerns about reduced oversight and transparency, particularly regarding how tax expenditures impact various segments of the population.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential implications of transferring oversight to the taxation committee. Critics worry that this change may prioritize business incentives at the expense of broader public interests and could diminish the role of comprehensive evaluation by moving it away from oversight more rooted in general governance. The effectiveness of this new oversight structure will be crucial in determining whether it meets the diverse needs of the state's economy and its citizens.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD849

An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Working Group to Review the Process for Ongoing Review of Tax Expenditures by the Legislature

ME LD1337

An Act to Require a Biennial Report on the Corporate Income Tax to the Joint Standing Committee Having Jurisdiction over Taxation Matters

ME LD1195

An Act to Provide That Documents Obtained by Subpoena by the Government Oversight Committee May Be Reviewed by Committee Members and Staff

ME LD2232

An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures

ME LD258

An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2023, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME LD2214

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME LD1725

An Act to Strengthen Legislative Oversight of Government Agencies and Programs by Providing the Government Oversight Committee Access to Confidential Records

ME LD1733

An Act to Require the Revenue Forecasting Committee to Prepare Economic Impact Statements for Certain Legislation

ME LD206

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023

ME LD1275

An Act to Clarify the Powers of the Government Oversight Committee and Enable Committee Access to Department of Health and Human Services Documents Related to Investigations of Child Deaths

Similar Bills

CA SB321

Late signature curing expenditure reports.

VA HB2484

Campaign finance; coordination and required independent expenditure committee disclosure.

VA HB2173

Campaign finance; coordination and required independent expenditure committee disclosure.

VA SB1185

Campaign finance; coordination and required independent expenditure committee disclosure.

AR HB1043

To Require Disclosure And Reporting Of Noncandidate Expenditures Pertaining To Appellate Judicial Elections; And To Adopt New Laws Concerning Appellate Judicial Campaigns.

ND SB2318

Reporting of aggregate expenditures for political purposes; and to provide a penalty.

CA AB545

University of California: major tax expenditures: research.

ME LD849

An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Working Group to Review the Process for Ongoing Review of Tax Expenditures by the Legislature