WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1145

SB 1145 - Current law authorizes certain counties to levy a sales tax for funding a multi-county metropolitan park and recreation district, with fifty percent of such sales tax revenues to be returned to the home county for park purposes. This act provides that such park purposes may include certain storm water management projects, as described in the act. This act is identical to HB 1736 (2026) and HCS/HB 1271 (2025), and to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1790 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

2026 Regular Session

Expands sales tax revenues for multi-county park districts to fund storm water management projects alongside traditional park purposes, with 50% returned to home counties.

Voted Do Pass S Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1145

Legislative bill overview

SB 1145 expands the allowable uses of sales tax revenues collected by certain multi-county metropolitan park districts to include storm water management projects, in addition to traditional park purposes. The bill ensures that 50% of these revenues continue to be returned to the home county for local park and storm water management initiatives.

Why is this important

As urbanization increases flooding and water quality concerns, this bill gives counties a flexible funding mechanism to address storm water infrastructure without requiring new taxes or separate ballot measures. The expansion allows existing park district revenue streams to serve dual infrastructure purposes that often intersect geographically and functionally.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill references "certain storm water management projects, as described in the act" but the specific criteria for which projects qualify may be vague, potentially leading to disputes over eligible expenditures
  • Scope creep concerns: Critics may argue that broadening park district revenues to storm water management dilutes the original purpose and could reduce funding available for recreational amenities
  • Inter-county equity: Questions may arise about whether storm water projects benefit all participating counties equally, or if some counties gain disproportionate advantages from the revenue-sharing arrangement

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

Sign in to ask a question.