Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
'Tax on millionaires' bill advanced despite objections over constitutionality
Summary
Senate Bill 6346, described by its sponsor as a tax on millionaires, was advanced to the floor despite a senator’s objection that the measure functions as an income tax and may conflict with state constitutional precedent.
Senate Bill 6346 was advanced from the white sheet to the floor calendar after a brief exchange in the Senate Committee on Rules in which the sponsor framed the measure as a targeted tax and a colleague raised constitutional and economic objections.
Sponsor Senator Solomon described the measure simply: "Tax on millionaires. I think it speaks for itself." Senator Bridal responded with a focused objection, saying, "I think it's an income tax, a tax on everyone...the current precedent says it is not constitutional." Bridal argued the proposal would hit small and medium businesses and limit future legislative options, and cited state supreme court precedent as a barrier to such taxation.
The committee nonetheless carried the motion by voice vote, advancing SB 6346 to the floor for further consideration. The transcript excerpt does not include a roll‑call or numeric tally, nor does it provide a case citation for the constitutional claim.
Why it matters: SB 6346 addresses state tax policy and, if enacted, could have long‑term effects on revenue, business climate and constitutional litigation. Committee debate in the excerpt centered on whether the measure constitutes an income tax and on the legal precedent that may constrain its enactment.
What the record shows: the sponsor characterized the bill as a tax on high earners; a colleague asserted it would effectively be an income tax and referenced state supreme court precedent against similar taxes. The excerpt contains no legislative scorekeeping, fiscal note, or citation of the court decision. Further floor debate and any fiscal analysis or legal review will be necessary to clarify the bill’s structure, revenue estimates and constitutional exposure.
Next steps: SB 6346 will be calendared for floor consideration; committee leadership indicated the Legislature is approaching cutoff, so further action may be rapid.
