Delegation adopts standing committee report and approves 0.5% surtax on imported construction materials for 2nd district

The Senate delegation on Dec. 27 adopted Standing Committee Report No. 23-01 and then passed House Local Bill 23-54, a measure that imposes a 0.5% ad valorem local excess surtax on the privilege of importing construction materials from outside the Commonwealth by licensed construction contractors into the 2nd senatorial district.

Floor Leader introduced the committee report, which the delegation said was prepared after a public hearing that included testimony from the mayor, the Department of Finance (Miss Melissa Kinimo), and customs and biosecurity personnel (Mr. Richard Lazaro). The report flagged clarifying provisions related to imported construction materials and the bill's scope.

On the floor, Representative Patrick Sanylas offered an amendment that revised language in the bill's findings, purpose, and section references to clarify the application to materials imported from outside the Commonwealth; the amendment was adopted. The floor then voted; the clerk recorded three yes votes (Senator Cruz; Chairman Hofschneider; Representative Sunny Glass). The clerk subsequently corrected the passed form to draft 2 as noted on the record.

The transcript records the surtax rate (0.5%) and the targeted activity (importation of construction materials by licensed contractors). The committee and delegation discussion focused on clarifying the bill language and jurisdictional scope; the transcript does not detail projected revenue estimates, the bill's effective date, or administrative processes for collection and enforcement, which would be expected to follow passage.