03/26/2025
VOTE:NO – Died in Committee
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3197
Committee assigned to bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Committees/JACSR/Overview
A GUT & STUFF BILL, HB 3197 (with -2 amendments) starts with a 2% tax on malt beverages, cider or wine in 2026, goes to 4% in 2028, 6% in 2030 and then increases to 8% in 2032. If the tax isn’t enough, a licensed sell must file with Revenue whether or not it owes a tax and go through an assessment. Just the enforcement procedures deserves a no vote.
After the tax pays for enforcement, the excess is split, 85% to the Youth Development Division Fund used for alcohol and drug abuse, and 15% distributed to counties.
*** Do not confuse this alcohol tax with the other alcohol tax in HB 3940 which is a container tax ***
This is a hidden sales tax and causes more harm to low income and communities of color. I thought the democrats were supposed to “protect” these groups – not keep pushing them down.