Committee approves SB306 substitute to add email, certified‑mail notices and narrow refunds for expiring covenants

Representative Cannon presented the SB306 substitute, saying most of the language was his and that some sections came from Senator Robertson and from House Bill 547. He told the committee the measure would expand notification methods for expiring covenants to include certified mail and email in addition to first‑class mail and would create a narrow refund mechanism when a taxpayer can prove they did not receive notice.

The bill keeps house‑passed language from HB547 in several sections but adds changes at lines 34–38 to permit additional notification methods. "Certified mail and email are two new options that would be available to the taxpayer," Representative Cannon said. He described lines 44–64 as a narrowly tailored provision allowing a taxpayer (or another affected taxpayer in a similar situation) to seek a refund from the county if they can prove by sworn affidavit they did not receive notice.

Chairman Williamson asked whether the bill would require assessors to send both first‑class mail and email when an email address is on file; Representative Cannon confirmed the bill would add emailed and certified‑mail notice as additional options. Representative Veil later thanked the author for including the sworn affidavit provision, saying it had helped a constituent recoup losses in a prior episode.

The committee moved to a vote. After a motion and second, members voted by voice; the chair announced the bill "passes." The record does not list individual roll‑call votes or tallies; the committee approved the SB306 substitute by voice vote.

The bill retains several house‑passed provisions from HB547 and adds the two notice methods and a limited affidavit‑based refund process. The committee advanced SB306; staff indicated the measure will proceed according to the committee calendar.