September 29, 2010

The House has passed SB 1155, imposing a 39 cents per unit severance tax.  An amendment by Representative Harper changed the distribution to 40% state and 60% local.  The bill passed by a vote of 104 to 94.  According to Senate staff, a rate that high is a “non-starter” in their chamber and they do not see "any way the bill, in its current form" could be passed by the Senate.  Normally, the adoption of the amendment would have required the House to wait 24 hours for a final passage vote, however that rule was suspended and the final vote took place.