EXPAND LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FOR EDUCATION.

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View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
Senate Bill 793 (Local) Filed Monday, May 18, 2020
AN ACT TO GIVE GUILFORD COUNTY GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO USE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX REVENUES FOR EDUCATION.
Intro. by Robinson, Tillman, Garrett.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action) (May 19 2020)

Bill History:

S 793

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: May 18 2020 - View Summary

    Identical to H 1113, filed 5/14/20.

    Applicable to Guildford County only, amends GS 105-537 to modify the ballot question for a referendum on the county's proposed one-quarter percent local sales and use tax, to now allow for any percentage rate and to additionally specify in the question that the tax is to be used for inclusion in conformity with the options listed in GS 105-538, as amended. Further, allows for a combined ballot question on the authorized tax and a bond referendum conducted pursuant to Part 2 of Article 4 of GS Chapter 159, which authorizes local governments to issue bonds. Provides for the combined form question and requires notice of the intent to combine the tax and bond questions, including anticipated revenue and the maximum amount of bonds authorized to be issued, in addition to other notice and information requirements required by law. Additionally adds an explicit provision to require any tax levied under the statute to be approved in referendum. Prohibits a referendum at an election within one year from the date of the last preceding election under the statute. 

    Amends GS 105-538 to limit the county's use of the net proceeds of the local sales and use tax to any of the following options: any public purpose, public education purposes, public school capital outlay purposes, teacher salary supplements, and/or community college support. Provides corresponding ballot language for each purpose specified. Additionally, adds definitions for the terms classroom teacher, net proceeds, public education purposes, and public school capital outlay purposes. Defines public education purposes to include public school capital outlay purposes, supplements of classroom teacher salaries, and financial support of community colleges.

    Makes conforming changes to GS 159-61.