issue area reports | budget and taxation
Sen . Christine Rolfes , D-Bainbridge Island , is chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee . Sen . John Braun , R-Centralia , ( at left ) is the committee ’ s ranking member .
estimate so much that a significant shortfall is expected in the account in the biennium ; and ( 3 ) caseload increases which may create a shortfall in 2019-21 , depending on what account those in-creases are charged to .
ESSB 6492 repeals the surcharge ( except for advanced computing ) and applies a 1.75 percent tax rate to a broader category of businesses while exempting those with less than $ 1 million in gross income . This bill did not represent AWB ’ s preferred pathway to improving this surcharge , but it did resolve the issue with enforcement as related to NAICS codes .
This bill passed out of the Senate 28-21 , then passed the House 52-45 and was signed into law on Feb . 10 .
HB 1368 cooperative finance org . b & o
Passed / AWB Supported
AWB supported House Bill 1368 . Sponsored by Rep . Larry Springer , D-Kirkland , this bill
reauthorized the business and occupation tax deduction for loan repayments received by cooperative finance organizations from rural electric cooperatives or other utility nonprofit or governmental utility providers . This passed out of the House 97-0 , then passed out of the Senate 48-0 . The House concurred 97-0 .
HB 2596 new space economy
Failed / AWB Supported
AWB supported House Bill 2596 , bill sponsored by Rep . Matt Boehnke , R-Kennewick . It directed the Department of Commerce to complete a study of public policies that would foster the development of the new space economy and the geographic distribution of space economy sector employment and training opportunities . This bill also directed the department to convene an advisory committee to provide information , advice , and assist in completing the study , as well as directing the department to accept applications for the advisory committee . This bill passed out of the House 93-5 , then passed out of Senate Ways & Means Committee , but died before a floor vote .
2SHB 1738 tax return filing thresholds
Failed / AWB Supported
AWB supported Second Substitute House Bill 1738 , sponsored by Rep . Vicki Kraft , R-Vancouver . This bill would have increased the statutory filing threshold for B & O taxes and threshold for mandatory business registration to $ 56,000 in annual gross receipts for service businesses and $ 35,000 in annual gross receipts for all other businesses subject to the B & O . In addition , this bill would have increased the statutory filing threshold for the Public Utility Tax ( PUT ) to $ 30,000 . For taxpayers who engage in one or more businesses subject to the PUT , the total gross income threshold for the PUT small business exemption would have increased to
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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