Finance committee votes ‘do not pass’ on proposed property‑tax transparency portal

The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee voted to recommend a do‑not‑pass on Senate Bill 2166, a bill that would have created an online portal to provide property‑tax information directly to taxpayers.

Proponents had described the portal as a transparency measure that would let property owners find basic details about their property tax and whom to contact for additional questions. The bill had an estimated price tag discussed in committee of about $5 million and would likely require one additional full‑time equivalent employee at the Tax Department to maintain and integrate county data, according to committee discussion.

Several senators raised concerns about the portal’s return on investment, given expected public take‑up. Senators noted that turnout for existing public meetings on property tax protests is low and questioned whether citizens would use an online portal enough to justify the cost. Others raised technical questions: counties use different software packages and some counties have only a single staff member who maintains records, creating integration, data currency and maintenance challenges.

Senator Rummel moved the committee recommendation of do‑not‑pass; Senator Patton seconded. The clerk recorded the roll call and the motion carried. The committee record shows the following members recorded on the roll for the motion: Chairman Weber — Yes; Vice Chair Rummel — Yes; Senator Marsola — Yes; Senator Patton — Yes; Senator Powers — Yes; Senator Wanzek — No. The motion passed and the committee designated a senator to carry the recommendation to the floor.

Committee members said the bill’s goal of transparency is laudable but that the proposed scope and cost, the need to integrate many county systems and questions about future maintenance made them reluctant to advance the measure without further planning.