2016 House Bill 5651

Expand port authority tax and other powers

Introduced in the House

May 12, 2016

Introduced by Rep. Holly Hughes (R-91)

To give port authorities the power to impose up to 2 mills of property tax, if approved by the local government where it is located. This would be in addition to property taxes the local government can impose on behalf of the port authority. Also, to greatly expand the scope of things a port authority can borrow and spend on, the types of property and facilities they may own or subsidize, the types of business arrangements they may enter with private entities, and the types of local government that may create one. New port authorities would not have the power of eminent domain but existing ones would retain it.

Referred to the Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance

May 17, 2016

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Trade

Sept. 20, 2016

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 22, 2016

Passed in the House 98 to 9 (details)

To permit a government port authority to grant partnership status to a private business or developer, which would permit them to operate and collect revenue from the facility. New port authorities would not get half their expenses paid by the state like existing ones, but would be able to keep any annual profits rather than turning them over to the local and state government. Cities or counties could create a new port authority on their own, rather that in combination. New port authorities would not have the power of eminent domain but existing ones would retain it.

Received in the Senate

Oct. 18, 2016

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and International Investment