Texas House Bill HB1817

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county or library district to receive local sales tax information.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1817 is expected to improve the fiscal management capabilities of counties and library districts throughout Texas. By gaining access to detailed sales tax information, these local entities can tailor their economic development strategies and allocation of resources more accurately. This change could lead to better-informed policy decisions at the local level and potentially drive initiatives aimed at boosting local economies.

Summary

House Bill 1817 addresses the authority of counties and library districts regarding the acquisition of local sales tax information. The legislation amends the Texas Tax Code to allow these entities to request relevant sales tax data from the comptroller. This data includes amounts paid to the counties by businesses that remit substantial annual sales tax payments. By enabling access to this information, the bill aims to enhance local governments' ability to manage and forecast their economic conditions effectively.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support, potential concerns could arise regarding the confidentiality of the tax information provided to counties and library districts. The bill stipulates that the received information is confidential and may be used solely for specified purposes, including internal auditing and economic forecasting. However, stakeholders may debate the balance between transparency and privacy, raising questions about how this data will be handled to protect sensitive business information.