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issue area reports | budget and taxation
urging them to reject this legislation , and the bill died in committee .
HB 2095 and SB 5988 unspent gift card funds
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsors : Rep . Emily Alvarado , D-Seattle , and Sen . Yasmin Trudeau , D-Tacoma
This proposal would require businesses to transfer unspent gift card funds to the state as unclaimed property after three years . It would also require companies to report consumer data to the Department of Revenue related to gift cards , and honor customers ’ gift cards , even after the funds have been turned over to the state .
There is no expiration date for gift cards in Washington , and this legislation was a solution in search of a problem . AWB and many other business groups testified against it . The Council On State Taxation also weighed in , warning that the proposed changes circumvent the purpose of unclaimed property programs and could lead to litigation . The bill did not make it out of committee .
HB 1870 federal grants
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Stephanie Barnard , R-Pasco
This successful bill creates a pool of matching funds for local communities to use when applying for federal grants , and also requires the Washington State Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance to applicants .
Overall , the bill makes Washington more competitive with other states pursuing federal funding , promoting economic development . It received unanimous approval in both chambers .
SB 6215 tax and revenue laws
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Mark Schoesler , R-Ritzville
This is a technical correction bill that eases compliance burdens on taxpayers and increases efficiencies in the state tax code . Initially , AWB had concerns with some of the language , but we worked with the prime sponsor and the Department of Revenue to fix those sections of the bill . It was approved in both chambers by unanimous vote .
The Policy Summit will host debates for :
Governor Attorney general Lands commissioner
Superintendent of public instruction
+ more great speakers and content !
PRESENTED BY
September 17 & 18 , 2024 Davenport Historic Hotel , Spokane
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awb . org / event / policy-summit-2024
special edition 2024 33