House Revenue Committee hears bill to tighten contractor tax compliance checks

The House Committee on Revenue opened a public hearing Thursday on House Bill 2084, a proposal that would require state contracting agencies to determine a contractor’s tax compliance in consultation with the Oregon Department of Revenue and local governments and to check compliance periodically during a contract.

The bill’s sponsor told the committee the measure would let the Department of Revenue disclose a contractor’s compliance status to contracting agencies and provide criteria for determining compliance. Chair Nathanson opened the hearing and said she plans to convene a work group to resolve implementation questions.

Why it matters: Reporters have identified businesses holding large state contracts while owing substantial tax liabilities, prompting lawmakers to consider whether public funds should be awarded to contractors who are not current on taxes. Proponents and local-government…