Skip to Page Content
Home  |  Contact Us  |  Press Room  |  Site Overview  |  Help  |  Login  |  Register
Add to MyNCSL


Posted January 12, 2004

KEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2003 UPDATE

 

State

(Response Date)

Issue

 

Agency Funding, Structure

Gaming

Colorado

(3/26/03)

The following bill was part of the governor's economic stimulus program:

General Economic Development: SB 03-202 transfers a supplemental appropriation of $4 million to the Economic Development Commission. (Signed into law.)

 

Idaho

(8/12/03)

 

Horse Racing: HB374 legalizes advance deposit wagering on horseracing and imposes a source market fee on connection with such wagering with funds being used to support various segments of the industry. (Signed into law.)

Indiana

(9/3/03)

Indiana Economic Development Corporation: Budget Bill HEA1001 establishes the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to take over existing economic development programs and functions of the state beginning July 1, 2005. Moves community development and tourism programs to a new Department of Tourism and Community Development beginning July 1, 2005. (Signed into law.)

Port Commission Authority: Budget bill HEA1001 expands the Indiana Port Commission's authority beyond financing and building port projects on Lake Michigan, the Ohio River, and the Wabash River. Authorizes the Port Commission to finance projects involving ports on other water bodies in Indiana; non-maritime port and traffic exchange points throughout Indiana; and other projects that enhance economic development, public-private partnerships, and other industrial, commercial, business, transportation purposes. (Signed into law.)

Casinos: HEA1902 authorizes a casino, upon local approval, in French Lick and West Baden Springs resort area. Gaming tax revenue from the casino to be utilized to provide: certain maintenance for the West Baden Springs Hotel, the development of a regional economic development strategy for the area, tourism efforts, and historic preservation and rehabilitation. (Signed into law.)

Iowa

(9/12/03)

Office of Science and Technology: SF113 would create an office of science and technology within the Department of Economic Development. (Pending.)

 

Michigan

(9/9/03)

 

Video Lottery: SB562 would establish a state lottery and allow state participation in certain lottery-related joint enterprises with other sovereignties and allow and regulate the operation of video lottery games in this state. Would also create a Bureau of State Lottery and prescribe its powers and duties. SB563 concerns inspections of video lottery violations. HB4610 would allow video lottery at racetracks. HB4611 provides criminal sentencing guidelines for the manipulation of video lottery and keno results. (All pending.)

Nebraska

(9/12/03)

 

Casinos: LR11CA would amend the Nebraska Constitution allowing the Legislature to authorize and regulate games of chance. (Pending.)

LR14CA would provide for gaming on Indian land and an interdiction zone. (Pending.)

Nevada

(8/19/03)

Powers of the Economic Development Commission: SB174 makes various changes concerning powers and duties of Commission on Economic Development. Directs commission to engage in more research and dissemination of information related to economic and community development. (Signed into law.)

 

New York

(9/9/03)

 

Video Lottery: Budget Bill A2106 revises provisions pertaining to the operation of video lottery. (Signed into law.)

Oklahoma

(3/6/03)

 

Lottery: HB 1278 would create the Oklahoma Education Lottery Act contingent on voter approval in referendum. (Bill signed into law, action pending referendum.)

Oregon

(8/25/03)

Wine Board: HB 3442 creates the Oregon Wine Board as a semi-independent state agency and abolishes the Wine Advisory Board. (Signed into law.)

 

Pennsylvania

(9/10/03)

 

Expansion of Gaming for Property Tax Relief: HB623 would establish the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the State Gaming Fund, authorize certain racetrack gaming and provide for disbursements of revenues. Also provides definitions for gaming offenses and related fraudulent business practices. (Pending.)

Tennessee

(8/13/03)

 

Implementation of the Lottery: SB1/HB1 (PC 297) creates a state lottery corporation, establishes debt collection and other lottery-related provisions, and revises the criminal code to add lottery-related offenses. (Signed into law.)

Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarships: SB437/HB787 (PC298) establishes guidelines for a HOPE scholarship and the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Assistance grant program to be funded with proceeds of a state lottery, and provides for early childhood education programs. The amendment provides that excess proceeds from the state lottery that are not allocated to provide financial assistance to state citizens to attend in-state post-secondary educational institutions would first be allocated to early learning programs. (Signed into law.)

Texas

(9/12/03)

Restructure of Economic Development Department: SB 275 transfers the Texas Department of Economic Development to the governor's office. (Signed into law.)

SB280 continues the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) until September 1, 2009. Also amends the Labor Code to provide TWC with authority to ask the Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA) to issue up to $2 billion in bonds or other obligations for the unemployment insurance program. (Signed into law.)

SB1771 creates the Texas Enterprise Fund as a dedicated account in the general revenue fund to be used for economic development, infrastructure development, community development, job training programs, and business incentives. Also provides for the coordination of economic development efforts by the Texas Department of Economic Development (TDED) or its successor, and authorizes the Texas Department of Economic Development or its successor to make certain recommendations regarding tax abatements and limitations on appraised value. (Signed into law.)

 

Washington

(9/16/03)

Funding of Financial Assistance Programs: HB1032 would provide an ongoing funding source for the Community Economic Revitalization Board's financial assistance programs. Funds to come from the interest earnings generated by the public works assistance account. (Pending.)

Economic Development Commission: HB1509 establishes the Washington State Economic Development Commission to replace the governor's Small Business Improvement Council. (Partially vetoed.)

 

Wisconsin

(3/10/03)

Department of Commerce Budget Cut: Act 1 of 2003 outlines agency budget reductions. Economic development provisions included in SB 44, the budget bill. (Partially vetoed.)

 


Top 

State

(Response Date)

Issue

 

Capital Development

Technology Development

Arizona

(3/31/03)

 

Technology Transfer: HB 2403 establishes a process for the Arizona Board of Regents to acquire stock and other financial securities, as well as enter into agreements for products and services developed through university research. (Signed into law.)

The state's general electorate will have to pass HCR 2028 to amend the state's constitution for HB 2403 to be activated. Currently, the constitution prohibits the state or any of its political subdivisions from being a shareholder or joint owner in corporations.

Colorado

(3/26/03)

 

Research and Development Facilities: HB 03-1256 authorizes lease-purchase agreements for six new buildings at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. The state's estimated obligation would be $387.2 million over 25 years. (Signed into law.)

Hawaii

(3/6/03)

 

Research: SB425 would establish a tax credit for individuals and companies to donate usage of their high technology instruments. Qualified borrowers would use the instruments for their research. (Pending.)

Public-Private Sector Council: SB726 would direct the Special Council for Technology Development to be a liaison between government and high tech firms and inform government of barriers facing the firms. (Pending.)

Illinois

(8/25/03)

Funding of Venture Capital Development: HB3638 would create the Illinois Opportunity Fund Act. Contains only a short title provision. (Pending.)

 

Indiana

(9/3/03 and 3/25/03)

Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit: HEA386 revises the Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit to include as part of its focus venture capital investment relating to technology commercialization and transfer. (Signed into law.)

Research and Commercialization: SB 386 includes incentives and programs to increase research and development and technology commercialization. (Signed into law.)

Iowa

(9/12/03 and 3/28/03)

 

 

 

Biotechnology Development: HF 453 would create an animal biotechnology commercialization fund and would extend the time during which a life science enterprise may purchase agricultural land. (Pending.)

Technology Transfer: SF 388 would provide for a technology transfer agency to be employed by the governor. The bill also would allow faculty at state universities to obtain an exclusive license for patented intellectual property rights created in whole or in part by the faculty member. (Pending.)

HF592 concerns technology transfer. Relates to economic development-related issues of the universities under the control of the state board of regents. Amends the composition of the Iowa Economic Development Board and the Iowa Workforce Development Board, changes the university-based research and economic development act to address commercialization of research, and creates an Iowa Commercialization Advisory Council. (Formerly HSB 83, pending.)

SF 113 also concerns technology transfer. (Pending.)

SF50 relates to the coordination of economic development activities at the institutions of higher learning under the control of the state board of regents. (Pending.)

Kentucky

(3/25/03)

Venture Capital: KRS 154.20-250 provides tax credits to encourage the development of venture capital firms. (Signed into law.)

 

Maryland

(9/4/03)

 

Rural Development, Broadband Communications: SB487/HB697 establishes a task force on broadband communications deployment in under-served rural areas. Provides for the membership and duties of the task force. Encourages the Department of Business and Economic Development and the Department of Budget and Management to undertake specified actions. (Signed into law.)

Nevada

(9/12/03)

 

High Tech Development, Development of Renewable Energy: AB296 provides multiplier for electricity generated by certain renewable energy systems for purpose of calculating compliance with portfolio standard for renewable energy. (Signed into law.)

AB429 makes various changes related to net metering and renewable energy. Authorizes the director of the Office of Energy to develop a program to distribute money in the form of grants, incentives or rebates to pay or defray the costs for persons to acquire, install or improve net metering systems. Revises the definition of renewable energy. Also provides for transferring money from the Public Utilities Commission Regulatory Fund to the Office of Energy. (Signed into law.)

AB431 establishes program to provide incentives for installation of certain solar energy systems by giving energy credits. (Signed into law.)

North Dakota

(8/22/03)

 

High Tech Development: HCR3051 directs the Legislative Council to study economic development efforts in the state. Included in this study is the establishment of a Red River Valley business and technology development zone. Also calls for a study of the methods through which programs receiving federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture rural economic area partnership, empowerment zone, enterprise community, and champion community programs can be enhanced. (Signed into law.)

Oregon

(8/25/03)

Venture Capital: HB3613 requires that a specified percentage of value of state investment funds be invested in emerging growth businesses in Oregon. Also requires private matching funds. Requires Oregon Investment Council to look first at Oregon opportunities for investment of venture capital. Requires at least $100 million in venture capital investments in Oregon unless not prudent. Authorizes change in timing for crediting money from Education Stability Fund to Oregon Growth Account. (Signed into law.)

 

Wyoming

(9/18/03)

 

Business Incubator: HB4 appropriates $5.3 million for construction of a technology business center at the University of Wyoming. (Signed into law.)


Top

State

(Response Date)

Issue

 

Bonds and Loan Programs

Tax Incentive Programs

Other

Arizona

(3/31/03)

 

Transportation Tax: HB 2292 extends the current one-half cent Maricopa County transportation excise tax. Also requires the county to develop a regional transportation plan. (Signed into law.)

 

Arkansas

(9/2/03)

Community Development: HB2228 is the Arkansas General Obligation Development Superprojects Bonds and Project Funding Act. (Signed into law.)

Job Creation Tax Incentives: HB1179 provides various economic development incentives for the creation of jobs and economic opportunity. Also consolidates existing economic development incentives into one act. (Signed into law.)

Brownfield Redevelopment: SB941 establishes a special restricted fund to be administered by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality for the cleanup of brownfields. (Signed into law.)

California

(8/11/03)

Small Business Financial Development Corporations: AB716 replaces a small business loan guarantee fund and loan guarantee account with a small business trust fund and trust fund accounts. The trust funds would be eligible to receive state funds as well as federal government, local government and private sector funds. (Signed into law.)

Local Bonds: SB321 would establish the Infrastructure Investment Bond Commission to issue and administer bonds for local infrastructure development. (Pending.)

Small Business: SB 405 would authorize establishment of an account for small business financial development corporations. (Pending.)

Manufacturing Tax Incentives: SB47 would delete the repeal date of various tax credits and exemptions for manufacturers and continue the incentives indefinitely. (Pending.)

SB137 would increase the corporate income tax credit for manufacturers from 6 percent to 7 percent. (Pending.)

SB454 would extend the date on which various manufacturing tax incentives expire and remove thresholds for statewide manufacturing employment levels for the incentives to be operative. (Pending.)

Accountability: SB 527 would establish an economic development accountability task force to develop outcome indicators for use in the state budget and legislative processes and for evaluation. (Pending.)

Economic and Workforce Task Force: AB251 would establish an interagency task force on excellence in economic development to make recommendations about the state's economic development investments. (Pending.)

Military Bases: SB 926 would rename the Office of Military Base Retention to the Office of Military Base Support. Authorizes the Office, rather than the Defense Retention and Conversion Council, to seek private operation funds. (Pending.)

Workforce Self-Sufficiency: SB 974 would require the secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to develop and annually produce a self-sufficiency index that would measure the income needed for families in different areas to meet basic needs without public or private assistance. (Pending.)

Enterprise Zones: SB172 would require the Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency to redesignate, upon request of appropriate entities, a manufacturing enhancement area as an enterprise zone. (Pending.)

SB1029 would require the Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency, in designating an enterprise zone, to consider geographic location and community size. Authorizes designation of two more enterprise zones. (Pending.)

Colorado

(9/15/03 and 3/26/03)

Local Bonds: SB 03-096 expands the types of businesses that may qualify for revenue bond programs of counties and municipalities. (Signed into law.)

Enterprise Zones: HB 03-1208 eliminates the requirement that a business in a zone can only claim a tax credit if it can demonstrate its planning decisions are based on receipt of the credit. Also allows businesses that qualified for extension of the zone tax credits to receive them even if the zone is terminated. (Signed into law.)

The tourism and job training bills below were part of the governor's economic stimulus program.

Tourism Promotion: SB 03-202 transfers a supplemental appropriation of $9 million to the Colorado Tourism Board. (Signed into law.)

Job Training: SB 03-207 transfers a supplemental appropriation of $7 million to the Department of Labor and Employment. (Signed into law.)

Microenterprise Development: HB 03-1354 establishes the Microenterprise Development Advisory Council in the Colorado Office of Economic Development in the governor's office. A microenterprise is defined in the bill as a company that has fewer than five employees and generally lacks conventional loans, equity or other banking services. The bill requires the nine-member council to assist in integrating the principles of microenterprise development into small business development and assistance programs. The council is required to produce an annual report detailing the status of microenterprise development in Colorado and recommend the best practices available for such development. The council's work is dependent on private sources of funding and the bill specifies that no state general fund money is to be appropriated or spent by the council. (Signed into law.)

Connecticut

(9/15/03)

 

Property Tax Abatement Reduction: Bill 6495 (passed as Public Act 03-2) reduces the state reimbursement for machinery property tax abatement. (Signed into law.)

Tourism: HB6589 concerns the reorganization of state's tourism and arts promotion programs and proposes elimination of the regional tourism districts and their share of the occupancy tax revenue. (Signed into law.)

Accountability: Bill 164 proposes accounting for jobs created or retained as part of financial assistance deals. (Signed into law.)

Hawaii

(9/04/03)

 

Tax Credits: SB377 authorizes tax credits for development of aquarium and related facilities on the leeward coast of the island of Oahu. (Signed into law.)

Film Industry: SB 359 would expand tax credits for motion picture and film production companies. (Pending.)

Airline Industry: SB 1172 would provide a tax credit for landing fees for airlines with fleets based in Honolulu. (Pending.)

Enterprise Zones: SB 358 would provide a tax credit for firms in enterprise zones that hire additional workers paid at least 15% above the average state wage. (Pending.)

Economic Zone Commission: SB 1422 would establish an economic zone commission to study and devise economic development tax incentives for distressed areas. (Pending.)

Base Redevelopment/Sports Facility: SB 1619 would establish a tax credit for qualified investments in the motor sports facility planned for Kalaeloa. The facility is part of the now-closed Barber's Point Naval Air Station. (Pending.)

Evaluating Tax Incentives: SB 1253 would assess whether tax incentives spur enough economic development to justify the cost in foregone tax revenues. (Pending.)

Workforce Development: SB 837 establishes the workforce development strategic planning committee. The committee, comprised of representatives of private sector technology industries, will review and analyze the state's workforce development programs and develop a strategic plan. (Signed into law.)

Idaho

(8/12/03)

 

Capital Investment Tax Credit: HB453 Capital investment income tax credit may be set aside in favor of a two year exemption on personal property taxes on the same qualified investment. (Signed into law.)

Agriculture Development: HB298 Promotion and certification of Idaho agricultural products using revenues generated from certain fees imposed. (Signed into law.)

Revenue Generation: SB1082 White water rafting license plate authorized for sale to generate revenues for the general education and promotion of Idaho's white water rivers and rafting and kayaking industry. (Signed into law.)

Illinois

 

Tax Exemption for Coal and Ethanol/Biodiesel Industries: HB46 amends various existing tax acts. Extends the partial exemption from the taxes imposed by these acts on gasohol to December 31, 2013 (now ends on July 1, 2003), gradually reducing the partial exemption to zero after December 31, 2013. Partially exempts E85 blend fuel and bio-diesel blend fuel in the same amount and according to the same schedule as gasohol. Provides that if, at any time, the tax under these acts on gasohol, E85 blend fuel, and bio-diesel blend fuel is imposed at 1.25%, then the partial exemption of the tax on those items does not apply during that time. (Signed into law.)

Film Production Tax Credit: SB785 creates the Film Production Services Tax Credit Act. Provides for a credit of 25% of the Illinois labor expenditures made by an entity for film or television production to foster job creation and retention in Illinois. Sets minimum requirements for eligibility for the credit and procedures for the award of the credit under the act. (Signed into law.)

Accountability of Firms that Receive Economic Assistance: HB235 creates the State Economic Assistance Accountability Act. Provides that state economic assistance given to a business organization must be based on the terms of a written incentive agreement between the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs and the business organization. Outlines required content for the agreement. Provides that business organizations failing to meet requisite level of progress in capital investment or job creation/retention will be ineligible for state economic assistance. (Signed into law.)

Indiana

(9/15/03)

 

Tax Credits: Budget bill HEA1001 extends research expense tax credit from 12/31/04 to 12/31/13, enacts the Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credit: 30% of qualified investment during FY2004 and FY2005. Enacts tax credits for bio-diesel and ethanol production. (Signed into law.)

Appropriation of Tobacco Settlement Funds: HEA1001 appropriates $46.2 M per year (in FY 04 and FY 05) in funding from tobacco settlement funds to be spent on research and technology, development in technology parks, value added research, rural development, and other related development activities. (Signed into law.)

Iowa

(9/12/03)

Grant Funding: HF453 would create an animal biotechnology commercialization fund coming from the net revenue of tax exempt bonds. This bill also extends the time period during which a life science enterprise may purchase agricultural land. Funding of the project may also come from grants (formerly HSB 180). (Pending.)

Tax Incentives for Enterprise Zones: HF 555 would establish provisions for businesses to be eligible for enterprise zone tax incentives and economic development assistance (formerly HSB 189). (Pending.)

HF576 relates to the enterprise zone program and includes effective date provisions. (Signed into law.)

Tax Incentives for Business Attraction and Retention: HF677 provides tax incentives to certain eligible businesses under a new capital investment program. (Signed into law.)

HF692 was passed by the General Assembly (which was item vetoed) in June 2003 at a special session. The bill included divisions relating to property tax reform, income tax reduction, streamlined sales tax, the creation of a Grow Iowa Values Board and Fund, value-added agriculture, creation of an Endow Iowa Program, commercialization of research, the creation of an economic development loan and credit guarantee program, economic development assistance and collection data, the creation of cultural and entertainment districts, unemployment compensation surcharge, liability reform, workers' compensation, site preparation for economic development, and extension of the phase out of residential utility tax. Large divisions of the bill were item vetoed and are currently subject to a lawsuit challenging the Governor's item vetoes.

HF683 was passed by the General Assembly (which was item vetoed) in June at a special session. The bill included divisions relating to economic development that included appropriations and tax credits for provisions and programs in HF 692 and job retention programs. The item vetoes in this bill were not included in the item veto lawsuit.

Kansas

(9/15/03)

State Tax and Revenue Bonds: Senate Substitute for HB2208 amends tax incremental financing law to provide statewide authority for sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds to be used for special bond projects of regional or statewide importance. (Signed into law.)

Income Tax Withholding Bonds: SB281 enacts the Economic Development Revitalization and Reinvestment Act. The bill provides for the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds up to $500 million plus certain bonding expenses for projects involving research, development, engineering or manufacturing for an eligible business engaged in manufacturing. (Signed into law.)

 

 

Kentucky

(3/25/03)

 

Auto/Truck Manufacturers: HB 510 includes tax incentives and assistance for auto/truck manufacturers. (Signed into law.)

Tourism: SB 91 includes provisions for expanded tourism industry assistance. Provides financial incentives for a theme restaurant destination attraction. (Signed into law.)

Workforce Development: SB 91 includes provisions to extend the activation dates in agreements signed under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act. (Signed into law.)

Maryland

(9/4/03)

 

 

Military Bases: HB888 addresses planning for potential military installation changes. Establishes the Maryland Military Installation Strategic Planning Council. (Signed into law.)

Task Force: SB765 establishes an Unemployment Insurance Funding Task Force; provides for the membership and duties of the task force. Also provides for the appointment of a chairperson of the task force and for staffing of the task force. (Signed into law.)

Michigan

(9/9/03)

 

 

Health Care Costs/Taxes: HB5041, HB5042, SB8, SB 44 and SB673 concern the removal of health care costs from the base of the single business, value added tax. (Pending.)

Mississippi

(9/15/03)

Increase Bond Authority: HB838, the "Mississippi Business Investment Act," increases amount of bonds authorized and revises use of bond proceeds. (Signed into law.)

HB919, "Small Enterprise Development Finance Act," increases the maximum loan amount under the Mississippi Small Enterprise Development Finance Act. (Signed into law.)

SB2876 increases the amount of bonds that may be issued under the Economic Development Highway Act. (Signed into law.)

HB1595 authorizes the issuance of $10 million in bonds to provide additional funds for the small municipalities and limited population counties program. (Signed into law.)

HB1596 authorizes the issuance of $10 million in bonds to provide additional funds for the land, water and timber resources fund. (Signed into law.)

SB2322 revises the types of projects that may qualify for assistance under the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Act and authorizes the issuance of an additional $11.5 million in bonds for these projects. (Signed into law.)

SB2886 allows for the issue of general obligation bonds for making capital improvements at the state shipyard in Jackson County. (Signed into law.)

 

Revisions to the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Act: SB2584, Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority, give authority certain discretionary power with regard to certain projects. (Signed into law.)

Rural Development Act: HB1335 creates the Mississippi rural impact act for the purpose of promoting business and economic development in the rural areas of the state through job producing programs and by providing financial assistance to communities and businesses. Authorizes $10 million in state obligatory bonds to fund Mississippi Rural Impact fund. (Signed into law.)

Matching Funds Requirements: HB1337 revised the matching funds requirement under the Mississippi Business Investment Act to require private matching funds of at least $2 for Every $1 of state assistance for companies that the MDA determines to be high technology companies (previous match requirement was $3 for every $1). (Signed into law.)

Missouri

(9/8/03)

 

 

Economic Stimulus: HB289, the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA), allows any city to operate a tax incremental financing (TIF)-like program to redevelop its "downtown" area. Also written to prevent Ford Motor Company from closing its plant in Hazelwood, MO, by including several tax credits for the plant and other economic incentives. (Signed into law.)

Montana

(9/16/03)

Fund Matching: SB131 creates an intermediary re-lending program within the board of investments. Requires that loan proceeds be used as matching funds for U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development loan programs and other federal programs. Provides terms for interest rates and repayment. Allows the board to purchase a portion of seasoned loans from a local economic development organization's revolving loan program. (Signed into law.)

 

Energy Development: HB509 extends transitions for a default energy supplier. (Signed into law.)

SB487 sets higher limits for financing of energy projects. Eliminates the tax credit limitation for wind energy development, increases the maximum amount of outstanding economic development bonds that the board of investments may issue and increases the allowable amount of money that the board of investments may use for financing a major project. (Signed into law.)

HB373 revises the Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act. Modifies the requirements for permit application and vegetation re-growth. (Signed into law.)

HB443 makes various general revisions to the Major Facility Siting Act. (Signed into law.)

SB409 authorizes the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to conduct certain inventories and assessments related to development of coal resources. Also authorizes the Department to conduct lease planning. (Signed into law.)

Restructuring of Tax Systems: SB407 subtitled the Montana Economic Development Tax Act provides for limited sales tax and use taxes, 5% of tax collections to retailers who collect the tax, capital gains credits and revisions to federal income tax deductions, among other tax-related changes. (Signed into law.)

Local Economic Development Organizations: HB76 establishes certified regional economic development councils. (Signed into law.)

Workforce Training: HB564 creates the Primary Sector Business Workforce Training Act. (Signed into law.)

HB2 is the general appropriations act which includes a biennial appropriation of $10 million in state special revenue for the primary sector business workforce-training program. (Signed into law.)

Nebraska

(9/12/03)

 

 

Employment: LB608 makes changes to the Employment Expansion and Investment Incentive Act to permit the disclosure of company specific beneficiaries under the Employment and Investment Growth Act after the information is three years old. (Signed into law.)

Nevada

(8/19/03)

 

 

Revenue Package: SB8 increases the penalty for certain punishable conduct by employer leading to death of employee. (Signed into law.)

Telecommunications Services: SB426 provides for standards and procedures for approval of applications for construction of facilities for personal wireless communications. (Signed into law.)

SB400 makes various changes relating to telecommunication service and broadband service. (Signed into law.)

Redevelopment: SB113 revises manner of valuing certain property that becomes exempt from taxation for purposes of allocating certain tax revenue among taxing agencies and redevelopment agency. (Signed into law.)

Community Development: AB 270 expands the criteria that the legislative body of a city or county must consider before consenting to any payment by a community redevelopment agency for land and construction costs of any building, facility, structure or other improvement. (Signed into law.)

Tax Structure: SB 219 temporarily increases certain taxes on businesses, gaming license fees, liquor and cigarettes. (Signed into law.)

New Jersey

(8/15/03)

Loan Guarantees for Film Production Companies: A3423 establishes the New Jersey Film Production Assistance Program which provides loan guarantees to qualifying film production companies in an effort to attract film production projects to the state. (Signed into law.)

Investment Tax Credit/ Community Development: S1634/A2843 makes various changes to the "Neighborhood Revitalization State Tax Credit Act" which offers businesses a tax incentive to invest in neighborhood revitalization and preservation projects sponsored by nonprofit corporations. Changes are made to the existing act to increase the flexibility of the program for business participants offering assistance and for nonprofit corporations to develop qualified projects. (Signed into law.)

Business Incentives: S2669/A3705 enhances the New Jersey Business Employment Incentive Program for targeted economic development and provides funding for incentives through New Jersey Economic Development Authority bonds. (Signed into law.)

Urban Enterprise Zone Initiative: S1751/A2661 reimburses certain urban enterprise zones for municipal account monies transferred to the General Fund during fiscal year 2003 and permits those zones to borrow from the enterprise zone assistance fund. (Signed into law.)

New Mexico

(3/20/03)

 

Income Tax: HB167/SB167 reduces income tax rates over four years and expands the capital gains deduction over four years. (Signed into law.)

Film industry: HB 295 establishes a film production tax credit. (Signed into law.)

 

New York

(9/9/03)

Bond Allocation: Budget Bill A2106 increases the amount of power available under Power for Jobs, reauthorizes the Urban Development Corporation Bonding Authority, and extends for 1 year, Urban Development Corporation Loan Authority. Extends the Private Activity Bond Allocation Act until 2004. (Signed into law.)

 

 

North Carolina

(8/19/03)

 

Business Tax Credit: HB1294 extends the qualified business tax credit program's sunset from 2004 to 2007, expands the definition of a qualified grantee business, and adds a new type of grantee business. The bill also extends the income tax credit for North Carolina State Ports Authority wharfage, handling and throughput charges from January 1, 2004, to January 1, 2009. Qualified Business Credit/Ports Credit. (Signed into law.)

Tax Increment Financing: SB725 allows voters of the state to consider a constitutional amendment allowing the General Assembly to authorize counties and cities to borrow money to finance the public portion of economic development projects within a defined area (tax increment financing). The vote will be held in November 2004.

Historic Buildings Tax Credit: SB119 extends the sunset on the pass-through provision for the tax credit for rehabilitating income-producing historic structures from January 1, 2004, to January 1, 2008. The bill allows a pass-through entity that qualifies for the historic rehab credit to allocate the credit among its owners at its discretion as long as an owner's adjusted basis is at least 40% of the amount of the credit allocated to that owner. The bill also directs the Department of Revenue to modify the income tax forms to provide separate lines for each tax credit claimed by a taxpayer. (Signed into law.)

Unemployment Insurance: HB1241 delays the imposition of the unemployment insurance surtax until the balance in the regular unemployment insurance fund reaches $500 million. Under current law a 20% unemployment insurance surtax is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2004 due to the balance in the unemployment reserve fund dropping to under $163 million. The delay will apply to the 2004 tax year. The bill is sunset for the 2005 and subsequent tax years. (Signed into law.)

North Dakota

(8/22/03)

 

Investment Tax Credit: HB1019 directs the state tax commissioner to audit the ethanol incentive program. Increases the tax credit amount under the "seed capital investment tax credit program" to 45% of the qualifying investment. (Signed into law.)

Centers for Excellence: Provides an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the Department of Commerce. Directs the state tax commissioner to audit the ethanol incentive program. Creates and enacts two new sections relating to a continuing appropriation and centers of excellence and also relates to the seed capital investment tax credit. (Signed into law.)

Development Fund: SB2335 permits the Bank of North Dakota to either directly invest, or through the North Dakota Development Fund, up to $5 million in alternative and venture capital investments and early-stage capital funds. (Signed into law.)

Rural Growth Incentive Program: HB1423 relates to rural growth incentive program grants and loans by the Department of Commerce. Defines eligibility for rural growth incentive related to matching funds requirements. (Signed into law.)

Renaissance Zone: SB2259 increases allowed investment in renaissance zones amount from $1 million to $2.5 million after exhaustion of initial funds. HB1497 relating to information included in the executive budget. (Both signed into law).

Oklahoma

(3/6/03)

Community Development: HB 1724 modifies the Municipal and County Industrial Development Bonds Act and restricts use of a tax credit. (Signed into law.)

Housing: HB 1561 would establish low-income housing tax credits. (Pending.)

Military Base Realignment: HB 1396 creates the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission and HB 1397 enacts the Oklahoma Military Asset Realignment and Closure Prevention Finance Act. (Signed into law.)

Housing: HB 1300 establishes the Oklahoma Rural Housing Incentive Act. Provides for membership, officer selection and various funding procedures. (Signed into law.)

Oregon

(8/25/03)

Highway and Bridge Construction Bonds: HB2041 authorizes highway user tax bonds for bridge purposes and to modernize and repair highways. Allocates funds to certain cities and counties. (Signed into law.)

 

Sports Facilities: SB5 creates the General Fund Operating Reserve Fund. Establishes a Major League Stadium Grant Fund. Specifies rate of withholding income of member of professional athletic team. (Signed into law.)

Unemployment Extension: SB903 allows eligible dislocated workers who are in approved professional technical training programs to receive supplemental unemployment compensation through June 30, 2005. Allows eligible unemployed workers who have exhausted benefits to receive temporary additional benefits for 6.5 weeks under certain conditions of high unemployment. (Signed into law.)

Public Employee Retirement Reform: HB2001 prohibits Public Employees Retirement Board from crediting accounts of Tier One members with earnings in excess of assumed interest rate. (Signed into law.)

HB2003 revises laws relating to Public Employees Retirement System. (Signed into law.)

HB2004 requires Public Employees Retirement Board to adopt mortality tables, based on best available actuarial information, every two years for purpose of computing benefits of members and beneficiaries of members. (Signed into law.)

HB2005 reduces membership of Public Employees Retirement Board from 12 to five members. (Signed into law.)

Industrial Land Supply: HB2614 authorizes industrial development in buildings of any size and type on certain lands outside Willamette Valley and outside of urban growth boundaries of cities. (Signed into law.)

Commodity Commissions: SB854 establishes existing agricultural commodity commissions as state commissions. (Signed into law.)

Pennsylvania

(9/10/03)

 

 

Funding: SB10 addresses increased venture capital expenditure, increased infrastructure expenditures (business site preparation), increased infrastructure expenditures (water and sewer), and establishing new business loan programs. (Pending.)

South Dakota

(8/19/03)

 

 

Tourism: SB58 earmarks certain economic development funds to make grants or loans for tourism development, feasibility studies or marketing. (Signed into law.)

Tennessee

(8/13/03)

 

Machinery Excise Tax: HB1361/SB1595 (PC 202) adopts a job tax credit and an industrial machinery excise tax for those general partnerships that establish call centers within Tennessee. (Signed into law.)

Headquarters Facility Tax Credit: SB1959/HB2032 (PC284) establishes requirements for "qualified headquarters facility" sales and use tax credit. (Signed into law.)

 

Texas

(9/12/03 and 3/17/03)

 

 

Appropriations: SB15 relates to the use of appropriations in the Smart Jobs Fund as business location incentives and makes an appropriation. (Signed into law.)

Military Facilities: SB652 relates to economic development, strategic planning, and other issues regarding military facilities, and the merger of certain state agencies with military responsibilities. Also grants authority to issue bonds. (Signed into law.)

SJR55 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or notes to provide loans to defense-related communities for economic development projects, including projects that enhance military value of military installations. (Signed into law.)

Telecommunications: HB3325 relates to the creation and administration of the community telecommunications alliance program designed to facilitate applications for funds and grants. (Signed into law.)

Rural Foundation: SB446 clarifies that the Rural Foundation may apply for grants for economic development programs in rural areas of the state. (Signed into law.)

Industrial Development Corporation Act: HB2912 amends the Industrial Development Corporation Act of 1979 to refocus the use of the economic development sales tax on the creation or retention of primary jobs. This bill also prohibits a 4A or 4B corporation from providing a direct incentive or making expenditure on behalf of a business unless both parties enter into a performance agreement. (Signed into law.)

Workforce Development: SB 280 continues the Texas Workforce Commission. SB 281 continues the Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness. (Both bills signed into law.)

Washington

(8/19/03)

 

Manufacturing Tax Incentives: SB5725 creates tax incentives targeting semiconductor manufacturers in Washington, as well as reporting requirements reflecting the usage and effectiveness of these incentives. (Signed into law.)

HB1751 would create a preferential business & occupation (B&O) tax rate for manufacturers or processors for hire engaged in the manufacturing of semiconductor materials. (Pending.)

 

 

Investment: HJM4011 requests the state investment board to develop policies to invest more funds in Washington firms. (Pending.)

Economic Development Policy: HB1234 directs the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, or its successor agency, to work with industry associations and organizations to identify industry clusters on a regional and statewide basis. (Pending.)

Creation of Committee: HB1059 would create a joint legislative committee on trade policy. (Partially vetoed.)

Trade: HB1173 expands and clarifies the duties of the Washington State Trade Representative. (Partially vetoed.)

SB5178, HB1167 would create the legislative international trade account in the custody of the state treasurer. All money received by the president of the senate and the secretary of state from gifts, grants, and endowments for international trade hosting, international relations, and international missions activities must be deposited in the account. (SB5178 signed into law, HB1167 pending.)

SCR8402 encourages legislator trade mission participation. (Adopted.)

HJM4018 would request Congress to enter trade agreements that are fairer to domestic agricultural businesses. (Pending.)

Tourism: HB1973 directs the Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development to develop, in conjunction with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and other appropriate agencies and organizations, an annual business and marketing plan to promote nature-based tourism in Washington. (Signed into law.)

SB6026 authorizes special assessments to fund convention and tourism promotion. Authorizes a lodging charge to fund tourism promotion. (Signed into law.)

Economic Development Incentives: SB5865 allows, in addition to existing authorities, public facilities districts formed after January 1, 2000, to acquire, construct, maintain, and operate recreation facilities other than ski areas. (Signed into law.)

Community Revitalization: HB1281 would expand the community revitalization program to allow local governments to finance public improvements not only using increased property tax revenues, but also excess excise tax revenues, and revenue generated through a sales and use tax, up to $1 million per year, per project, credited against the state sales and use tax in an increment area. (Pending.)

Sales and Use Tax: HB1880 would allow a county legislative authority to submit an authorizing proposition to the county voters to impose a sales and use tax for economic development and public improvements. Such a proposition must be approved the majority of the county voters. (Pending.)

Community Revitalization Program: SB5364 would expand the community revitalization program to allow local governments to finance public improvements within an increment area using increases in local sales and use tax revenues, as well as matching state sales and use tax revenues of up to $1 million per year per project. (Pending.)

Wyoming

(9/18/03)

Loans/ Grants for Airports: SF 66 removes dollar limits on loans and grants for airport construction and maintenance. It also increases the size of the Aeronautics Commission, among other provisions. (Signed into law.)

Natural Gas Pipeline Bonding Authority: SF 85 grants additional bonding authority to the natural gas pipeline authority, among other provisions. (Signed into law.)

Tax Exemption: HB 91 provides a sales and use tax exemption for farming equipment and machinery. (Signed into law.)

Ethanol Tax Credit: HB 5 removes time limits on the ethanol tax credit and modifies requirements to qualify for the credit. (Signed into law.)

Uranium Tax Exemption: HB 15 extends the severance tax exemption for uranium to 2009. (Signed into law.)

Oil and Gas Tertiary Production Tax Exemption: HB 54 extends the severance tax exemption on new oil and gas tertiary production to 2008. (Signed into law.)

Aircraft Use Tax Exemption: HB 89 expands the sales and use tax exemption for aircraft parts and service. (Signed into law.)

Local Development: HB 264 provides grants to local governments for infrastructure projects, including business parks and beautification projects. (Signed into law.)

Airports: SF 120 authorizes the Wyoming business council to contract to improve air service within the state. (Signed into law.)


Top

  NCSL's Economic and Tourism Development Menu Page

Visitor counts for this page.

Denver Office: Tel: 303-364-7700 | Fax: 303-364-7800 | 7700 East First Place | Denver, CO 80230 | Map
Washington Office: Tel: 202-624-5400 | Fax: 202-737-1069 | 444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 515 | Washington, D.C. 20001