Budget & Taxes (Revenue · Seniors)

SB 1493 would allow counties in the state to levy a local sales tax specifically to fund senior services, such as meal programs, transportation, or adult day care. It directly affects counties (which could choose to implement the tax) and seniors (who would receive services funded by the tax). The key provision is creating a legal mechanism for counties to collect this dedicated sales tax, with revenue directed toward local senior care initiatives. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee and has not yet been enacted into law.

HB 3143 allows counties to propose a local sales tax of up to 0.25% on everyday purchases, but only after voters approve it in an election. If approved, the tax revenue must be used exclusively for senior citizen services, such as meals, transportation, or wellness programs, and cannot fund other county expenses. The tax would be collected separately from other sales taxes, administered by the state revenue department, and deposited into a dedicated "Senior Services Sales Tax Trust Fund." Counties must submit the tax proposal to voters via a specific ballot question asking if they support the tax for senior services.