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Bill

SB 5847

Enhancing prorate and fuel tax collections by improving taxpayer compliance, providing additional enforcement mechanisms, and protecting confidential taxpayer information.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 5 co-sponsors

SB 5847 strengthens Washington's prorate and fuel tax enforcement through enhanced compliance mechanisms and taxpayer audits while protecting confidential information.

Senate Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · SB 5847

Legislative bill overview

SB 5847 strengthens Washington state's collection of prorate and fuel taxes by implementing enhanced compliance mechanisms and enforcement tools for taxpayers. The bill also establishes protections for confidential taxpayer information throughout the enforcement process. These measures aim to increase revenue collection from commercial vehicles and fuel transactions while maintaining privacy safeguards.

Why is this important

Prorate and fuel taxes fund Washington's transportation infrastructure, so improved collection directly affects highway maintenance, public transit, and road safety investments. Enhanced enforcement can close revenue gaps from non-compliance, potentially reducing the need for other tax increases or budget cuts. However, stronger enforcement mechanisms also increase state oversight of business operations and taxpayer data.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement scope and burden: Expanded enforcement mechanisms may increase compliance costs for small trucking companies and fuel distributors, potentially raising prices for consumers
  • Data privacy balance: While the bill protects confidential information, critics may question whether enhanced data collection and sharing among state agencies creates surveillance risks
  • Interstate commerce impact: Prorate tax changes could affect how multi-state commercial carriers operate and price services, potentially disadvantaging Washington-based businesses competing nationally

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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