Panel recommends changes to tourism-tax reporting; auditor staffing cost noted

Senate Bill 2 61, a measure addressing tourism-related tax reporting and consequences for counties that fail to submit required reports, was recommended favorably by the Utah Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on Feb. 14.

Sponsor Senator Brammer said the bill enables the state auditor to withhold certain funds when counties do not submit Tourism-Related Tax (TRT) reports as required. The committee review noted a small fiscal note: staff time and ongoing costs for the auditor's office estimated at roughly $12,000 ongoing and a net fiscal figure just under standard thresholds, which committee members discussed as typical agency accounting and workload additions.

Committee members asked about the fiscal estimate and the bill's enforcement mechanics; the sponsor responded the cost likely represents additional auditor manpower to examine reports. There was no public opposition at the hearing.

The committee voted to recommend SB 2 61 favorably; the motion passed in committee and the bill will move to the next legislative stage.