Senate amends bill on state commissions to let tax committees request review from Tax Review Commission

Senators debated and amended Senate Bill 44, legislation that changes how state advisory commissions (including the Tax Review Commission) may be asked to review matters by legislative bodies.

Senator Bramble offered a floor amendment to add language allowing the "revenue and taxation interim or standing committees" to request TRC review. He said the change would make the TRC a more useful resource to tax committees without removing management‑committee oversight.

Opponents warned the amendment risked reducing independent review. Senator Hilliard said he worried about losing "independent eyes" that examine constitutional or tax questions, and Senator Valentine argued the judiciary committee is not the only place constitutional implications arise. Senator McAdams proposed narrowing proposed triggers and suggested adjustments to preserve independent expertise while allowing timely review.

Senator Dayton, the bill sponsor on the floor, said the committee structure retains checks: the legislative management committee still plays a role in setting interim scope. The Senate adopted Bramble's amendment and then voted the bill as amended. The clerk announced the bill passed on roll call with 21 yea votes, 5 nay votes and 3 absent.

Senators framed the debate as balancing two goals: preserving independent technical review and ensuring relevant legislative committees can request targeted study when complex tax mechanics arise.