The Senate voted 44-6 in favor of House Bill 1198, which amends the Tax Reform Code on the filing process of amended net tax income returns.

This legislation amends corporate net income tax forms to improve guidelines and assist procedure and feedback for out-of-state corporations. This change would allow corporations to file amended reports to the Department of Revenue. The department would have one year to review and respond to the amended report. These changes would assist corporations and provide them with clearer guidelines when filing amended tax forms.

The bill was amended to include provisions to fine individuals who purchase, install, sell or use a sales suppression device, known as a zapper, to avoid paying sales tax. These devices can be used on cash registers at the point-of-sale to fraudulently avoid the state sales tax. Fines could be up to $5,000 for the first offense.

The House voted to non-concur the Senate’s amendment. The Senate then insisted on the amendments it made. The bill now returns to the House.

 

***

 

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 917, which would enhance information sharing between agencies involved in child welfare, child delinquency or the identification of at risk children. This bill would allow these agencies to enter into information sharing agreements.

The legislation would require children and youth agencies, courts or juvenile probation departments to provide all records containing drug and alcohol treatment, mental health information and educational background to the county agency, court or juvenile probation department requesting the information. The bill outlines specific restrictions on the use of confidential information.

The bill defines which agencies would be responsibly and appropriately using the information, and that they may use the information to identify and provide services to children and families. Non-confidential information could be used to help children that are at risk of abuse, victims of parental neglect or at risk of additional delinquent behavior.

The bill now goes to the House Judiciary Committee.

 

###