Us Congress Senate Bill SB1938

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/4/25

Caption

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the cover over of certain distilled spirits taxes.

Impact

The proposed amendment requires a transfer of a portion of rum taxes collected in relation to Puerto Rico to the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust Fund. This fund exists to support the conservation of natural areas in Puerto Rico through sustainable agricultural efforts and habitat restoration. The bill specifies that from taxes at a specified rate collected on rum transported to the U.S., Puerto Rico must allocate funds to the conservation trust to enhance environmental protection initiatives.

Summary

SB1938 aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the cover over of certain distilled spirits taxes. A significant change introduced by this bill is the repeal of the limitation on cover over distilled spirits taxes to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This repealing effect is intended to alter tax allocations and impacts the financial relationship between the U.S. federal government and these territories, particularly in terms of agricultural and conservation funding.

Contention

One of the key points of contention surrounding SB1938 involves whether the modifications made to the cover over of spirits taxes will effectively benefit Puerto Rico's economy and its environmental initiatives. Proponents argue that by increasing the funds available for conservation and sustainable practices, the bill will foster economic growth linked to environmental health. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential implications on local governance and financial dependencies on federal funds, fearing it may lead to reduced autonomy for local authorities in funding allocations.