State House approves repeal of land transfer tax

The House gave final approval to HB92 which would repeal the land transfer tax. The law gives counties the option of asking voters for authority to impose a tax on the sale of real estate. However, voters have repeatedly rejected the tax in referenda. House Republican leader Paul Stam called it an “irrational” tax. While Democrats said there was a lot of discussion about the issue before it was passed by the legislature, Stam pointed out the tax was stuffed into a budget conference report that couldn’t be changed and “it was jammed down our throat.” Democrats claimed it was an important tool for counties and they shouldn’t leave counties with an empty tool box. But the measure was passed on a 78-38 vote and was sent to the Senate.