Senate creates task force to review community development and urban renewal statutes

Senator Harper proposed Senate Bill 55 to convene a task force to evaluate the state redevelopment and community development framework, including whether laws enacted in 2002 and 2006 are meeting their goals. Harper noted the task force would include representatives from school districts, the League of Cities and Towns, counties and other taxing entities and said lines 45–49 of the bill allow the speaker and president to designate additional members if necessary.

Harper called attention to the bill's fiscal note, stating a task force fiscal cost of $40,000 for legislative research and counsel because staff resources have been strained by multiple task forces. Senator Bramble and others voiced support for a careful analytic review of redevelopment statutes. The Senate adopted an amendment adding a representative from local districts, approved the bill's task force language, and read the bill for a third time.