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Committee adds McWane center to STEM-hub sales-tax exemption and advances bill
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Summary
House Bill 123, carried by Representative Faulkner, would exempt designated STEM hubs from state sales and use tax; the committee adopted an amendment adding the McWane Science Center, cited a fiscal note of roughly $19,790 beginning in 2027, and reported the bill favorably.
Representative Faulkner carried House Bill 123 (originally introduced by Representative Collins) and described it as an exemption of state sales and use tax for designated STEM hubs. Faulkner said the bill as drafted covered the Cook Museum of Natural Science and that an amendment in the packet would add the McWane Science Center to the exemption.
"These institutions are premier STEM museums ... providing hands on experiential learning opportunities for students, educators, families and citizens across the state," Faulkner said, explaining the policy is limited to designated STEM hubs and includes standard language allowing counties and cities to opt in. Members asked about the fiscal effect; the sponsor cited a fiscal note of approximately $19,790 beginning in 2027.
Representative Baker moved to adopt the amendment; Representative Chestnut seconded. The committee approved the amendment and then voted to give the bill a favorable report by voice vote. Committee discussion emphasized the educational role of the hubs and that only existing hubs (three-member consortium) were included in the bill as amended.
The committee did not record a roll-call tally of the vote in the transcript.
