The stated objective of the bill is to Induce behavior by employers to provide alternative transportation options to commuting employees by providing tax relief to businesses that provide such options. According to the sponsors, an objective is to reduce the number of trips in cars and thus reduce ground ozone pollution.
Currently, a corporate tax deduction is available for employers that provide alternative means of transportation for their employees. The bill would replace this with a tax credit equal to 50% of expenditures incurred. The tax credit would be available to corporate and non-corporate employers, including non-profits (by amendment).
Alternative transportation means subsidized mass transit and subsidized ridesharing arrangements, including providing vehicles for ridesharing. An amendment included bike-sharing arrangements and electric scooter sharing, and guaranteed ride home programs.
Employers claiming a tax credit shall provide to the Dept of Revenue information about the options provided, number of employees offered an option, number of employees actually using an option, and the number of trips taken.
During the hearing before the House Finance committee: Some witnesses felt that there would be no benefit to rural areas for the loss of revenue to the state from allowing a tax credit that primarily targets metro areas with mass transit available. Some business organizations expressed approval of the optional rather than mandated employer participation and the flexibility of options.
The bill passed the committee 7-4 and was referred to Appropriations.
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