HB 2263 is a new funding source that would supplement the Housing Trust Fund. The bill would enable a county or a city to impose a 1/10th of 1% sales tax to pay for facilities and services in the community to help people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and other vulnerable populations in critical need, including foster children, homeless families, unaccompanied homeless youth, veterans, senior citizens, and domestic violence survivors whose income is at or below 60% of the area median income in the county of residence. The funding is for, but not limited to, evaluation and treatment facilities, mental illness services, housing, and other services needed.
HB 2263 also provides local governments and their communities the fiscal tools needed to provide educational benefits and economic support for cultural organizations. The purpose is to enhance and extend the education reach and offerings of cultural organizations to the economically and geographically underserved populations; and providing financial stability to the organizations to continue and extend the numerous public benefits they provide.
Implementation of the sales tax requires a vote of the county legislative body and allows for cities to implement if a county fails to act within 2-3 years (depending on county size).
An additional property tax levy may be imposed, with a majority of the voters voting at a special or general election held after June 30, 2016.
