Net neutrality, opiod taxes and rental car taxes in the Legislature

Editor’s note: This corrects the amount of the proposed opiod flat tax which was changed in Tempel’s letter due to an editing error.

One of the things discussed this week in Energy Committee was net neutrality on internet providers. Basically, the bill states that internet providers may not block lawful content, applications or services, on any device. Providers may not throttle, impair, or degrade lawful internet traffic or engage in paid prioritization. Based on testimony in committee, this has not been an issue in Montana at present. So it may be something that will have to be looked at down the road, the conclusion of the committee was that it is not necessary to address at this time.

In Taxation Committee, we heard testimony on a bill that dealt with opioid imports to Montana. It was a $5 million flat tax on all importers/distributers of opioids into Montana. There was some discussion on who is considered an importer. The bill ended up getting tabled in committee on a 6-6 tie. The bill was two-faceted, to slow down opioids coming into Montana and at the same time, the tax revenue created was to deal with opioid addiction. My feeling was that legitimate opioid consumers, i.e. Joe and Sally needing temporary medications for a tonsillectomy, would end up having to shoulder the burden of the extra taxes.

A bill that was aimed at Montana tourism was to increase rental car taxes from 4% to 6%. There was concern and discussion about a 50% increase, but an increase has never been added since the tax was originally initiated. It passed out of committee. Lastly, agricultural classifications of Christmas tree farms, vineyards, and certain orchards were verified. In order for a property owner to qualify as an agricultural entity, they have to meet the following criteria for five consecutive years: 100 fruit trees, 120 live vines and a minimum of 2,000 Christmas trees.

Legalized recreational marijuana was tabled in house committee. The bill never came over to the Senate, so I didn’t get a chance to weigh in on it. Monday was the 67th day of Legislature, which is the last day that bills can be transmitted for a third reading prior to being sent to other house. Thank you and have a great week.

——

State Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be emailed at [email protected]