Legislation to alter sales tax distribution method stalls

Legislation to change how millions of dollars in sales tax revenue is distributed to cities and counties in Idaho has stalled in a House committee.

The meeting of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee got off to an unusual start Monday when the bill’s sponsor asked the committee to hold onto the legislation rather than send it to the full House.

The committee complied with the request by Republican Rep. Jason Monks and voted 14-0 to do just that. The legislation could return this session.

Monks told the committee that the legislation intended to fix what he says are unfair distributions to cities and counties still needs some work.

Representatives of Idaho’s counties and cities testified against the proposal, noting potential uncertainty in future revenue if the current formula is altered.