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Bill Summary · LC 3589

Summary: LC 3589 – Legislative Referendum on Sales Tax to Fund Education

Overview

LC 3589 is a draft bill introduced on December 14, 2024, titled “Legislative referendum on sales tax to fund education.” The bill is currently in draft form (status: LC Draft Delivered to Requester) and has progressed through several drafting stages, with the latest milestone indicating delivery to the requester on March 17, 2025. The legislation envisions placing a statewide referendum before voters to authorize a dedicated sales tax to fund education, including higher education (Colleges/University System) and overall school finance.

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide a mechanism for voters to decide whether to establish a dedicated sales tax to support education funding.
  • Specifically reference funding for higher education institutions (Colleges and the University System) alongside broader school finance needs.
  • If approved, dedicate the new sales tax revenues to education budgets rather than leaving funding to existing general revenues.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and subject)

  • Creation of a legislative referendum question to be presented to voters, seeking authorization for a new or dedicated sales tax for education.
  • Once authorized by voters, revenues would be earmarked for education funding. The exact allocation among higher education (University System/Colleges) and K–12/miscellaneous education needs will be defined in the final text (not provided in the summary).
  • The bill will specify the mechanics around collection, duration (sunset or renewal), and potential oversight or reporting requirements, though those specifics are not included in the information provided.
  • Potential inclusion of governance elements such as how funds are distributed, reporting/audits, and accountability measures to ensure funds are used for education.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State residents and taxpayers who would bear the sales tax if the referendum passes.
  • Colleges and the University System, which would receive funding support.
  • K–12 and other education providers that rely on state education funding.
  • State education agencies and oversight bodies responsible for administering and reporting on the education funding.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Draft development timeline shows a sequence from assignment in December 2024 through multiple drafting stages in March 2025.
  • Draft Delivered to Requester: March 17, 2025.
  • As a draft measure, it has not yet been enacted into law and would require passage by the legislature and voter approval to take effect.
  • Typical process (not specified here) would involve committee consideration, passage in both chambers, and placement on a ballot for a statewide election.

Notes

  • Specific details such as the proposed tax rate, duration, allocation formulas, exemptions, and oversight mechanisms are not provided in the information available. The final text will determine the precise fiscal and governance framework if the referendum is approved.

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

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