Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5612

Introduced
1/30/23  

Caption

Modifying the sales and use tax for cultural access programs by allowing the tax to be imposed by a councilmanic or commission authority and defining timelines and priorities for action.

Impact

If enacted, SB5612 will directly impact the statutes governing sales tax allocation, allowing for tailored local governance in regard to funding for cultural programs. The bill's provisions could lead to increased funding for various cultural projects, exhibitions, and programs, aligning financial resources more closely with the priorities of local communities. Consequently, this would facilitate greater community participation in arts and culture, benefiting both local residents and cultural organizations.

Summary

SB5612 aims to modify the existing framework for sales and use tax specifically for cultural access programs. The bill proposes to permit the imposition of sales tax by a councilmanic or commission authority, which enhances local governance authority in generating funds for community cultural initiatives. This proposal is intended to empower local entities to better support the arts and culture sectors, thereby enhancing community engagement and accessibility to cultural programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5612 appears to be generally positive among supporters of enhanced cultural funding. Advocates highlight the importance of local control and the ability of communities to generate their own resources for cultural access programs. However, there may be concerns from fiscal conservatives regarding the implications of introducing new taxes or reallocating tax funds, suggesting that the debate could remain divided depending on economic perspectives.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the fiscal responsibility associated with the proposed taxation measures. Critics may question whether imposing additional taxes for cultural access constitutes a necessary or appropriate use of public funds. Additionally, discussions may include challenges related to ensuring equitable access to cultural resources across diverse communities, particularly if certain areas have more capacity to impose and collect such taxes than others.

Companion Bills

WA HB1575

Crossfiled Modifying the sales and use tax for cultural access programs by allowing the tax to be imposed by a councilmanic or commission authority and defining timelines and priorities for action.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1575

Modifying the sales and use tax for cultural access programs by allowing the tax to be imposed by a councilmanic or commission authority and defining timelines and priorities for action.

WA HB1792

Modifying timelines and other initial procedural actions in a water rights adjudication.

WA LB458

Change provisions relating to tax sale certificates, real property sold for delinquent taxes, certain tax-related foreclosure actions, and land banks and adopt the Permitting Approval Timeliness Act and the By-Right Housing Development Act

WA HB1049

Updating timelines for adopting county commissioner district boundaries following expansion from three to five commissioners.

WA SB5106

Updating timelines for adopting county commissioner district boundaries following expansion from three to five commissioners.

WA SB5610

Revised for 1st Substitute: Allowing the horse racing commission to impose a fee and use sales tax revenues for federal regulatory compliance.

WA HB1703

Establishing an equine industry tax credit, allowing the horse racing commission to impose a fee, and using equine industry sales tax revenues for federal regulatory compliance.

WA SB5711

Defining the rental or lease of individual storage space at self-service storage facilities as a retail transaction for the imposition of business and occupation and sales and use taxes.

WA HB1907

Defining the rental or lease of individual storage space at self-service storage facilities as a retail transaction for the imposition of business and occupation and sales and use taxes.

WA HB1251

Improving the timeliness and accuracy of the issuance of a report of death.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.