Committee advances taxpayer‑records changes and a law‑enforcement relief checkoff; multiple bills passed by voice votes

The Senate Revenue & Tax Committee advanced several items on the calendar by voice vote during the hearing.

House Bill 1034, presented by Paul Gehring of the Department of Finance and Administration, would clarify that DFA will disclose taxpayer information only when required by court order and would streamline provisions related to releases to prosecutors and the attorney general. Gehring said DFA will also designate an official custodian of motor vehicle and driver services records. The committee adopted a 'do pass' motion (mover: Senator Johnson; second: Senator Rapert) and passed the bill by voice vote.

Senator Missy Irvin (District 18), joined by Representative Mark Berry (District 82), presented House Bill 13160 to create a voluntary law‑enforcement family relief checkoff that would allow taxpayers to contribute to families of officers killed in the line of duty. DFA said the bill carries no revenue impact, and the committee voted to pass (mover: Senator Rapert; second: Senator Ingham).

Other brief agency and housekeeping bills were presented, amendments were noted as engrossed where applicable, and the committee adjourned after handling the remaining calendar items.

Votes at a glance: - House Bill 1034 (DFA confidentiality/records): Motion to do pass (mover: Senator Johnson; second: Senator Rapert). Outcome: Passed by voice vote. Notes: DFA will publish a fiscal impact statement where applicable; bill narrows circumstances for disclosure and designates a custodian for motor vehicle records. - House Bill 13160 (Law‑enforcement family relief checkoff): Motion to pass (mover: Senator Rapert; second: Senator Ingham). Outcome: Passed by voice vote. Notes: Voluntary checkoff; DFA reported no revenue impact.

What happens next: Bills that passed the committee advance to the next step in chamber procedure per Senate rules.