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Committee adopts plan to rebate $300 to qualifying Pinal County taxpayers from escrowed transit tax funds

Arizona House Ways and Means Committee · February 18, 2026

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Summary

A strike‑everything amendment to HB 22-73 would direct DOR to issue a single $300 rebate to qualifying Pinal County taxpayers from money collected under a transportation excise tax later found unconstitutional; proponents argue it returns ill‑gotten funds to local taxpayers.

The committee adopted a strike‑everything amendment to House Bill 22-73 that, as amended, mandates the Department of Revenue to issue a single $300 rebate to qualifying Pinal County taxpayers from nearly $87 million that had been collected under a transportation excise tax later ruled unconstitutional by the Arizona Supreme Court.

Vince Perez explained the escrowed funds and refund history: about $87 million was collected between April 2018 and February 2024; roughly $41 million already has been refunded and just over $1 million used to offset other liabilities. The amendment directs DOR to issue $300 per qualifying income taxpayer between Oct. 1 and Nov. 15, 2027, using currently held escrow funds.

Mark Barnes, representing the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, opposed the strike‑everything amendment and recounted the Regional Public Transportation Authority’s prior attempt to craft a tax that would limit the burden on large purchases; he asked the committee to consider alternatives. Supporters, including Representative Livingston, argued the funds should go back to city and county residents who paid the tax rather than be repurposed by the state.

The committee adopted the amendment and returned the bill with a due‑pass recommendation.