1     
TRUTH IN TAXATION REQUIREMENTS REVISIONS

2     
2019 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Jacob L. Anderegg

5     
House Sponsor: ____________

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill amends provisions relating to truth in taxation.
10     Highlighted Provisions:
11          This bill:
12          ▸     defines a term;
13          ▸     allows a taxing entity to increase taxes to allow for inflation without holding a truth
14     in taxation hearing; and
15          ▸     makes technical and conforming changes.
16     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
17          None
18     Other Special Clauses:
19          This bill provides a special effective date.
20     Utah Code Sections Affected:
21     AMENDS:
22          53F-8-201, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 2
23          53F-8-301, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 2
24          53G-7-303, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 101 and renumbered and
25     amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 3
26          59-2-919, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapters 68 and 415
27          59-2-920, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1988, Chapter 3

28          59-2-921, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 204
29          59-2-924, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapters 101, 368, and 415
30     

31     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
32          Section 1. Section 53F-8-201 is amended to read:
33          53F-8-201. Annual certification of tax rate proposed by local school board --
34     Inclusion of school district budget -- Modified filing date.
35          (1) Prior to June 22 of each year, each local school board shall certify to the county
36     legislative body in which the district is located, on forms prescribed by the State Tax
37     Commission, the proposed tax rate approved by the local school board.
38          (2) A copy of the district's budget, including items under Section 53G-7-302, and a
39     certified copy of the local school board's resolution which approved the budget and set the tax
40     rate for the subsequent school year beginning July 1 shall accompany the tax rate.
41          (3) If the tax rate approved by the board [is in excess of the certified tax rate, as defined
42     in Section 59-2-924] is subject to the notice and public hearing requirements described in
43     Section 59-2-919, the date for filing the tax rate and budget adopted by the board [shall be that
44     established under Section 59-2-919] is August 31.
45          Section 2. Section 53F-8-301 is amended to read:
46          53F-8-301. State-supported voted local levy authorized -- Election requirements
47     -- Reconsideration of the program.
48          (1) The terms defined in Section 53F-2-102 apply to this section.
49          (2) An election to consider adoption or modification of a voted local levy is required if
50     initiative petitions signed by 10% of the number of electors who voted at the last preceding
51     general election are presented to the local school board or by action of the local school board.
52          (3) (a) (i) To impose a voted local levy, a majority of the electors of a school district
53     voting at an election in the manner set forth in Subsections (8) and (9) must vote in favor of a
54     special tax.
55          (ii) The tax rate may not exceed .002 per dollar of taxable value.
56          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), in order to receive state support in
57     accordance with Section 53F-2-601 the first year, a school district shall receive voter approval
58     no later than December 1 of the year prior to implementation.

59          (c) Beginning on or after January 1, 2012, a school district may receive state support in
60     accordance with Section 53F-2-601 without complying with the requirements of Subsection
61     (3)(b) if the local school board imposed a tax in accordance with this section during the taxable
62     year beginning on January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011.
63          (4) (a) An election to modify an existing voted local levy is not a reconsideration of the
64     existing authority unless the proposition submitted to the electors expressly so states.
65          (b) A majority vote opposing a modification does not deprive the local school board of
66     authority to continue the levy.
67          (c) If adoption of a voted local levy is contingent upon an offset reducing other local
68     school board levies, the local school board shall allow the electors, in an election, to consider
69     modifying or discontinuing the imposition of the levy prior to a subsequent increase in other
70     levies that would increase the total local school board levy.
71          (d) Nothing contained in this section terminates, without an election, the authority of a
72     local school board to continue imposing an existing voted local levy previously authorized by
73     the voters as a voted leeway program.
74          (5) Notwithstanding Section 59-2-919, a local school board may budget an increased
75     amount of ad valorem property tax revenue derived from a voted local levy imposed under this
76     section [in addition to revenue from eligible new growth as defined in Section 59-2-924] that
77     exceeds the certified tax rate plus inflation, as defined in Section 59-2-919, without having to
78     comply with the notice requirements of Section 59-2-919, if:
79          (a) the voted local levy is approved:
80          (i) in accordance with Subsections (8) and (9) on or after January 1, 2003; and
81          (ii) within the four-year period immediately preceding the year in which the local
82     school board seeks to budget an increased amount of ad valorem property tax revenue derived
83     from the voted local levy; and
84          (b) for a voted local levy approved or modified in accordance with this section on or
85     after January 1, 2009, the local school board complies with the requirements of Subsection (7).
86          (6) Notwithstanding Section 59-2-919, a local school board may levy a tax rate under
87     this section that exceeds the certified tax rate plus inflation, as defined in Section 59-2-919,
88     without having to comply with the notice requirements of Section 59-2-919 if:
89          (a) the levy exceeds the certified tax rate as the result of a local school board budgeting

90     an increased amount of ad valorem property tax revenue derived from a voted local levy
91     imposed under this section;
92          (b) the voted local levy was approved:
93          (i) in accordance with Subsections (8) and (9) on or after January 1, 2003; and
94          (ii) within the four-year period immediately preceding the year in which the local
95     school board seeks to budget an increased amount of ad valorem property tax revenue derived
96     from the voted local levy; and
97          (c) for a voted local levy approved or modified in accordance with this section on or
98     after January 1, 2009, the local school board complies with requirements of Subsection (7).
99          (7) For purposes of Subsection (5)(b) or (6)(c), the proposition submitted to the
100     electors regarding the adoption or modification of a voted local levy shall contain the following
101     statement:
102          "A vote in favor of this tax means that the local school board of [name of the school
103     district] may increase revenue from this property tax without advertising the increase for the
104     next five years."
105          (8) (a) Before a local school board may impose a property tax levy pursuant to this
106     section, a local school board shall submit an opinion question to the school district's registered
107     voters voting on the imposition of the tax rate so that each registered voter has the opportunity
108     to express the registered voter's opinion on whether the tax rate should be imposed.
109          (b) The election required by this Subsection (8) shall be held:
110          (i) at a regular general election conducted in accordance with the procedures and
111     requirements of Title 20A, Election Code, governing regular elections;
112          (ii) at a municipal general election conducted in accordance with the procedures and
113     requirements of Section 20A-1-202; or
114          (iii) at a local special election conducted in accordance with the procedures and
115     requirements of Section 20A-1-203.
116          (c) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsections (8)(a) and (b), beginning on or
117     after January 1, 2012, a local school board may levy a tax rate in accordance with this section
118     without complying with the requirements of Subsections (8)(a) and (b) if the local school board
119     imposed a tax in accordance with this section at any time during the taxable year beginning on
120     January 1, 2011, and ending on December 31, 2011.

121          (9) If a local school board determines that a majority of the school district's registered
122     voters voting on the imposition of the tax rate have voted in favor of the imposition of the tax
123     rate in accordance with Subsection (8), the local school board may impose the tax rate.
124          Section 3. Section 53G-7-303 is amended to read:
125          53G-7-303. Local governing board budget procedures.
126          (1) As used in this section:
127          (a) "Budget officer" means:
128          (i) for a school district, the school district's superintendent; or
129          (ii) for a charter school, an individual selected by the charter school governing board.
130          (b) "Governing board" means:
131          (i) for a school district, the local school board; or
132          (ii) for a charter school, the charter school governing board.
133          (2) (a) For a school district, before June 30 of each year, a local school board shall
134     adopt a budget and make appropriations for the next fiscal year.
135          (b) For a school district, if the tax rate in the school district's proposed budget [exceeds
136     the certified tax rate defined in Section 59-2-924] is subject to the notice and public hearing
137     requirements described in Section 59-2-919, the local school board shall comply with Section
138     59-2-919 in adopting the budget, except as provided by Section 53F-8-301.
139          (3) (a) For a school district, before the adoption or amendment of a budget, a local
140     school board shall hold a public hearing, as defined in Section 10-9a-103, on the proposed
141     budget or budget amendment.
142          (b) In addition to complying with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act,
143     in regards to the public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a), at least 10 days prior to the
144     public hearing, a local school board shall:
145          (i) publish a notice of the public hearing in a newspaper or combination of newspapers
146     of general circulation in the school district, except as provided in Section 45-1-101;
147          (ii) publish a notice of the public hearing electronically in accordance with Section
148     45-1-101;
149          (iii) file a copy of the proposed budget with the local school board's business
150     administrator for public inspection; and
151          (iv) post the proposed budget on the school district's Internet website.

152          (c) A notice of a public hearing on a school district's proposed budget shall include
153     information on how the public may access the proposed budget as provided in Subsections
154     (3)(b)(iii) and (iv).
155          (4) For a charter school, before June 30 of each year, a charter school governing board
156     shall adopt a budget for the next fiscal year.
157          (5) Within 30 days of adopting a budget, a governing board shall file a copy of the
158     adopted budget with the state auditor and the State Board of Education.
159          Section 4. Section 59-2-919 is amended to read:
160          59-2-919. Notice and public hearing requirements for certain tax increases --
161     Exceptions.
162          (1) As used in this section:
163          (a) "Additional ad valorem tax revenue" means ad valorem property tax revenue
164     generated by the portion of the tax rate that exceeds the taxing entity's certified tax rate plus
165     inflation.
166          (b) "Ad valorem tax revenue" means ad valorem property tax revenue not including
167     revenue from:
168          (i) eligible new growth as defined in Section 59-2-924; or
169          (ii) personal property that is:
170          (A) assessed by a county assessor in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment; and
171          (B) semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
172          (c) "Calendar year taxing entity" means a taxing entity that operates under a fiscal year
173     that begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.
174          (d) "Certified tax rate plus inflation" means the certified tax rate plus the greater of:
175          (i) the actual total percent change of the consumer price index during the last 12
176     months as measured in June of the prior fiscal year; or
177          (ii) zero.
178          (e) "Consumer price index" means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
179     Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of
180     Labor.
181          [(d)] (f) "County executive calendar year taxing entity" means a calendar year taxing
182     entity that operates under the county executive-council form of government described in

183     Section 17-52a-203.
184          [(e)] (g) "Current calendar year" means the calendar year immediately preceding the
185     calendar year for which a calendar year taxing entity seeks to levy a tax rate that exceeds the
186     calendar year taxing entity's certified tax rate plus inflation.
187          [(f)] (h) "Fiscal year taxing entity" means a taxing entity that operates under a fiscal
188     year that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.
189          [(g)] (i) "Last year's property tax budgeted revenue" does not include revenue received
190     by a taxing entity from a debt service levy voted on by the public.
191          (2) A taxing entity may not levy a tax rate that exceeds the taxing entity's certified tax
192     rate plus inflation unless the taxing entity meets:
193          (a) the requirements of this section that apply to the taxing entity; and
194          (b) all other requirements as may be required by law.
195          (3) (a) Subject to Subsection (3)(b) and except as provided in Subsection (5), a calendar
196     year taxing entity may levy a tax rate that exceeds the calendar year taxing entity's certified tax
197     rate plus inflation if the calendar year taxing entity:
198          (i) 14 or more days before the date of the regular general election or municipal general
199     election held in the current calendar year, states at a public meeting:
200          (A) that the calendar year taxing entity intends to levy a tax rate that exceeds the
201     calendar year taxing entity's certified tax rate plus inflation;
202          (B) the dollar amount of and purpose for additional ad valorem tax revenue that would
203     be generated by the proposed increase [in] over the certified tax rate plus inflation; and
204          (C) the approximate percentage increase in ad valorem tax revenue for the taxing entity
205     based on the proposed increase described in Subsection (3)(a)(i)(B);
206          (ii) provides notice for the public meeting described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) in
207     accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act, including providing a
208     separate item on the meeting agenda that notifies the public that the calendar year taxing entity
209     intends to make the statement described in Subsection (3)(a)(i);
210          (iii) meets the advertisement requirements of Subsections (6) and (7) before the
211     calendar year taxing entity conducts the public hearing required by Subsection (3)(a)(v);
212          (iv) provides notice by mail:
213          (A) seven or more days before the regular general election or municipal general

214     election held in the current calendar year; and
215          (B) as provided in Subsection (3)(c); and
216          (v) conducts a public hearing that is held:
217          (A) in accordance with Subsections (8) and (9); and
218          (B) in conjunction with the public hearing required by Section 17-36-13 or 17B-1-610.
219          (b) (i) For a county executive calendar year taxing entity, the statement described in
220     Subsection (3)(a)(i) shall be made by the:
221          (A) county council;
222          (B) county executive; or
223          (C) both the county council and county executive.
224          (ii) If the county council makes the statement described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) or the
225     county council states a dollar amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue that is greater than
226     the amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue previously stated by the county executive in
227     accordance with Subsection (3)(a)(i), the county executive calendar year taxing entity shall:
228          (A) make the statement described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) 14 or more days before the
229     county executive calendar year taxing entity conducts the public hearing under Subsection
230     (3)(a)(v); and
231          (B) provide the notice required by Subsection (3)(a)(iv) 14 or more days before the
232     county executive calendar year taxing entity conducts the public hearing required by
233     Subsection (3)(a)(v).
234          (c) The notice described in Subsection (3)(a)(iv):
235          (i) shall be mailed to each owner of property:
236          (A) within the calendar year taxing entity; and
237          (B) listed on the assessment roll;
238          (ii) shall be printed on a separate form that:
239          (A) is developed by the commission;
240          (B) states at the top of the form, in bold upper-case type no smaller than 18 point
241     "NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE"; and
242          (C) may be mailed with the notice required by Section 59-2-1317;
243          (iii) shall contain for each property described in Subsection (3)(c)(i):
244          (A) the value of the property for the current calendar year;

245          (B) the tax on the property for the current calendar year; and
246          (C) subject to Subsection (3)(d), for the calendar year for which the calendar year
247     taxing entity seeks to levy a tax rate that exceeds the calendar year taxing entity's certified tax
248     rate plus inflation, the estimated tax on the property;
249          (iv) shall contain the following statement:
250          "[Insert name of taxing entity] is proposing a tax increase for [insert applicable calendar
251     year]. This notice contains estimates of the tax on your property and the proposed tax increase
252     on your property as a result of this tax increase. These estimates are calculated on the basis of
253     [insert previous applicable calendar year] data. The actual tax on your property and proposed
254     tax increase on your property may vary from this estimate.";
255          (v) shall state the date, time, and place of the public hearing described in Subsection
256     (3)(a)(v); and
257          (vi) may contain other property tax information approved by the commission.
258          (d) For purposes of Subsection (3)(c)(iii)(C), a calendar year taxing entity shall
259     calculate the estimated tax on property on the basis of:
260          (i) data for the current calendar year; and
261          (ii) the amount of additional ad valorem tax revenue stated in accordance with this
262     section.
263          (4) Except as provided in Subsection (5), a fiscal year taxing entity may levy a tax rate
264     that exceeds the fiscal year taxing entity's certified tax rate plus inflation if the fiscal year
265     taxing entity:
266          (a) provides notice by meeting the advertisement requirements of Subsections (6) and
267     (7) before the fiscal year taxing entity conducts the public meeting at which the fiscal year
268     taxing entity's annual budget is adopted; and
269          (b) conducts a public hearing in accordance with Subsections (8) and (9) before the
270     fiscal year taxing entity's annual budget is adopted.
271          (5) (a) A taxing entity is not required to meet the notice or public hearing requirements
272     of Subsection (3) or (4) if the taxing entity is expressly exempted by law from complying with
273     the requirements of this section.
274          (b) A taxing entity is not required to meet the notice requirements of Subsection (3) or
275     (4) if:

276          (i) Section 53F-8-301 allows the taxing entity to levy a tax rate that exceeds that
277     certified tax rate plus inflation without having to comply with the notice provisions of this
278     section; or
279          (ii) the taxing entity:
280          (A) budgeted less than $20,000 in ad valorem tax revenues for the previous fiscal year;
281     and
282          (B) sets a budget during the current fiscal year of less than $20,000 of ad valorem tax
283     revenues.
284          (6) (a) Subject to Subsections (6)(d) and (7)(b), the advertisement described in this
285     section shall be published:
286          (i) subject to Section 45-1-101, in a newspaper or combination of newspapers of
287     general circulation in the taxing entity;
288          (ii) electronically in accordance with Section 45-1-101; and
289          (iii) on the Utah Public Notice Website created in Section 63F-1-701.
290          (b) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) shall:
291          (i) be no less than 1/4 page in size;
292          (ii) use type no smaller than 18 point; and
293          (iii) be surrounded by a 1/4-inch border.
294          (c) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) may not be placed in that
295     portion of the newspaper where legal notices and classified advertisements appear.
296          (d) It is the intent of the Legislature that:
297          (i) whenever possible, the advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) appear in a
298     newspaper that is published at least one day per week; and
299          (ii) the newspaper or combination of newspapers selected:
300          (A) be of general interest and readership in the taxing entity; and
301          (B) not be of limited subject matter.
302          (e) (i) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(i) shall:
303          (A) except as provided in Subsection (6)(f), be run once each week for the two weeks
304     before a taxing entity conducts a public hearing described under Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b);
305     and
306          (B) state that the taxing entity will meet on a certain day, time, and place fixed in the

307     advertisement, which shall be seven or more days after the day the first advertisement is
308     published, for the purpose of hearing comments regarding any proposed increase and to explain
309     the reasons for the proposed increase.
310          (ii) The advertisement described in Subsection (6)(a)(ii) shall:
311          (A) be published two weeks before a taxing entity conducts a public hearing described
312     in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b); and
313          (B) state that the taxing entity will meet on a certain day, time, and place fixed in the
314     advertisement, which shall be seven or more days after the day the first advertisement is
315     published, for the purpose of hearing comments regarding any proposed increase and to explain
316     the reasons for the proposed increase.
317          (f) If a fiscal year taxing entity's public hearing information is published by the county
318     auditor in accordance with Section 59-2-919.2, the fiscal year taxing entity is not subject to the
319     requirement to run the advertisement twice, as required by Subsection (6)(e)(i), but shall run
320     the advertisement once during the week before the fiscal year taxing entity conducts a public
321     hearing at which the taxing entity's annual budget is discussed.
322          (g) For purposes of Subsection (3)(a)(iii) or (4)(a), the form and content of an
323     advertisement shall be substantially as follows:
324     
"NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE

325     
(NAME OF TAXING ENTITY)

326          The (name of the taxing entity) is proposing to increase its property tax revenue.
327          •     The (name of the taxing entity) tax on a (insert the average value of a residence
328     in the taxing entity rounded to the nearest thousand dollars) residence would
329     increase from $______ to $________, which is $_______ per year.
330          •     The (name of the taxing entity) tax on a (insert the value of a business having
331     the same value as the average value of a residence in the taxing entity) business
332     would increase from $________ to $_______, which is $______ per year.
333          •     If the proposed budget is approved, (name of the taxing entity) would increase
334     its property tax budgeted revenue by ___% above last year's property tax
335     budgeted revenue excluding eligible new growth.
336          All concerned citizens are invited to a public hearing on the tax increase.
337     
PUBLIC HEARING


338          Date/Time:     (date) (time)
339          Location:     (name of meeting place and address of meeting place)
340          To obtain more information regarding the tax increase, citizens may contact the (name
341     of the taxing entity) at (phone number of taxing entity)."
342          (7) The commission:
343          (a) shall adopt rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
344     Rulemaking Act, governing the joint use of one advertisement described in Subsection (6) by
345     two or more taxing entities; and
346          (b) subject to Section 45-1-101, may authorize:
347          (i) the use of a weekly newspaper:
348          (A) in a county having both daily and weekly newspapers if the weekly newspaper
349     would provide equal or greater notice to the taxpayer; and
350          (B) if the county petitions the commission for the use of the weekly newspaper; or
351          (ii) the use by a taxing entity of a commission approved direct notice to each taxpayer
352     if:
353          (A) the cost of the advertisement would cause undue hardship;
354          (B) the direct notice is different and separate from that provided for in Section
355     59-2-919.1; and
356          (C) the taxing entity petitions the commission for the use of a commission approved
357     direct notice.
358          (8) (a) (i) (A) A fiscal year taxing entity shall, on or before March 1, notify the county
359     legislative body in which the fiscal year taxing entity is located of the date, time, and place of
360     the first public hearing at which the fiscal year taxing entity's annual budget will be discussed.
361          (B) A county that receives notice from a fiscal year taxing entity under Subsection
362     (8)(a)(i)(A) shall include on the notice required by Section 59-2-919.1 the date, time, and place
363     of the public hearing described in Subsection (8)(a)(i)(A).
364          (ii) A calendar year taxing entity shall, on or before October 1 of the current calendar
365     year, notify the county legislative body in which the calendar year taxing entity is located of the
366     date, time, and place of the first public hearing at which the calendar year taxing entity's annual
367     budget will be discussed.
368          (b) (i) A public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) shall be open to the

369     public.
370          (ii) The governing body of a taxing entity conducting a public hearing described in
371     Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) shall provide an interested party desiring to be heard an
372     opportunity to present oral testimony within reasonable time limits.
373          (c) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(c)(ii), a taxing entity may not schedule a
374     public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) at the same time as the public hearing
375     of another overlapping taxing entity in the same county.
376          (ii) The taxing entities in which the power to set tax levies is vested in the same
377     governing board or authority may consolidate the public hearings described in Subsection
378     (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b) into one public hearing.
379          (d) A county legislative body shall resolve any conflict in public hearing dates and
380     times after consultation with each affected taxing entity.
381          (e) A taxing entity shall hold a public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or
382     (4)(b) beginning at or after 6 p.m.
383          (9) (a) If a taxing entity does not make a final decision on budgeting additional ad
384     valorem tax revenue at a public hearing described in Subsection (3)(a)(v) or (4)(b), the taxing
385     entity shall announce at that public hearing the scheduled time and place of the next public
386     meeting at which the taxing entity will consider budgeting the additional ad valorem tax
387     revenue.
388          (b) A calendar year taxing entity may not adopt a final budget that budgets an amount
389     of additional ad valorem tax revenue that exceeds the largest amount of additional ad valorem
390     tax revenue stated at a public meeting under Subsection (3)(a)(i).
391          (c) A public hearing on levying a tax rate that exceeds a fiscal year taxing entity's
392     certified tax rate plus inflation may coincide with a public hearing on the fiscal year taxing
393     entity's proposed annual budget.
394          Section 5. Section 59-2-920 is amended to read:
395          59-2-920. Resolution and levy to be forwarded to commission -- Exception.
396          [The resolution approved in the manner provided under Section 59-2-919]
397          (1) A resolution shall be included with the statement of the amount and purpose of the
398     levy required under Sections 59-2-912 and 59-2-913 and forwarded to the commission under
399     Section 59-2-913. [No tax rate in excess of the certified tax rate may]

400          (2) A tax rate that is subject to the notice and public hearing requirements described in
401     Section 59-2-919 may not be certified by the commission or implemented by the taxing entity
402     until the resolution [required under Section 59-2-919] described in Subsection (1) is adopted by
403     the governing authority of the taxing entity and submitted to the commission. [If the resolution
404     is not forwarded to the county auditor by August 17, the auditor shall forward the certified tax
405     rate to the commission.]
406          Section 6. Section 59-2-921 is amended to read:
407          59-2-921. Changes in assessment roll -- Rate adjustments -- Exemption from
408     notice and public hearing provisions.
409          (1) On or before September 15 the county board of equalization and, in cases involving
410     the original jurisdiction of the commission or an appeal from the county board of equalization,
411     the commission, shall annually notify each taxing entity of the following changes resulting
412     from actions by the commission or the county board of equalization:
413          (a) a change in the taxing entity's assessment roll; and
414          (b) a change in the taxing entity's adopted tax rate.
415          (2) A taxing entity is not required to comply with the notice and public hearing
416     provisions of Section 59-2-919 if the commission, the county board of equalization, or a court
417     of competent jurisdiction:
418          (a) changes a taxing entity's adopted tax rate; or
419          (b) (i) makes a reduction in the taxing entity's assessment roll; and
420          (ii) the taxing entity adopts by resolution an increase in its tax rate above the certified
421     tax rate plus inflation, as defined in Section 59-2-919, as a result of the reduction under
422     Subsection (2)(b)(i).
423          (3) A rate adjustment under this section for:
424          (a) a taxing entity shall be:
425          (i) made by the county auditor;
426          (ii) aggregated;
427          (iii) reported by the county auditor to the commission; and
428          (iv) certified by the commission; and
429          (b) the state shall be made by the commission.
430          Section 7. Section 59-2-924 is amended to read:

431          59-2-924. Definitions -- Report of valuation of property to county auditor and
432     commission -- Transmittal by auditor to governing bodies -- Calculation of certified tax
433     rate -- Rulemaking authority -- Adoption of tentative budget -- Notice provided by the
434     commission.
435          (1) As used in this section:
436          (a) (i) "Ad valorem property tax revenue" means revenue collected in accordance with
437     this chapter.
438          (ii) "Ad valorem property tax revenue" does not include:
439          (A) interest;
440          (B) penalties;
441          (C) collections from redemptions; or
442          (D) revenue received by a taxing entity from personal property that is semiconductor
443     manufacturing equipment assessed by a county assessor in accordance with Part 3, County
444     Assessment.
445          (b) (i) "Aggregate taxable value of all property taxed" means:
446          (A) the aggregate taxable value of all real property a county assessor assesses in
447     accordance with Part 3, County Assessment, for the current year;
448          (B) the aggregate taxable value of all real and personal property the commission
449     assesses in accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the current year; and
450          (C) the aggregate year end taxable value of all personal property a county assessor
451     assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment, contained on the prior year's tax rolls
452     of the taxing entity.
453          (ii) "Aggregate taxable value of all property taxed" does not include the aggregate year
454     end taxable value of personal property that is:
455          (A) semiconductor manufacturing equipment assessed by a county assessor in
456     accordance with Part 3, County Assessment; and
457          (B) contained on the prior year's tax rolls of the taxing entity.
458          (c) "Centrally assessed benchmark value" means an amount equal to the highest year
459     end taxable value of real and personal property the commission assesses in accordance with
460     Part 2, Assessment of Property, for a previous calendar year that begins on or after January 1,
461     2015, adjusted for taxable value attributable to:

462          (i) an annexation to a taxing entity; or
463          (ii) an incorrect allocation of taxable value of real or personal property the commission
464     assesses in accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property.
465          (d) (i) "Centrally assessed new growth" means the greater of:
466          (A) zero; or
467          (B) the amount calculated by subtracting the centrally assessed benchmark value
468     adjusted for prior year end incremental value from the taxable value of real and personal
469     property the commission assesses in accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the
470     current year, adjusted for current year incremental value.
471          (ii) "Centrally assessed new growth" does not include a change in value as a result of a
472     change in the method of apportioning the value prescribed by the Legislature, a court, or the
473     commission in an administrative rule or administrative order.
474          (e) "Certified tax rate" means a tax rate that will provide the same ad valorem property
475     tax revenue for a taxing entity as was budgeted by that taxing entity for the prior year.
476          (f) "Eligible new growth" means the greater of:
477          (i) zero; or
478          (ii) the sum of:
479          (A) locally assessed new growth;
480          (B) centrally assessed new growth; and
481          (C) project area new growth.
482          (g) "Incremental value" means the same as that term is defined in Section 17C-1-102.
483          (h) (i) "Locally assessed new growth" means the greater of:
484          (A) zero; or
485          (B) the amount calculated by subtracting the year end taxable value of real property the
486     county assessor assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment, for the previous year,
487     adjusted for prior year end incremental value from the taxable value of real property the county
488     assessor assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment, for the current year, adjusted
489     for current year incremental value.
490          (ii) "Locally assessed new growth" does not include a change in:
491          (A) value as a result of factoring in accordance with Section 59-2-704, reappraisal, or
492     another adjustment;

493          (B) assessed value based on whether a property is allowed a residential exemption for a
494     primary residence under Section 59-2-103;
495          (C) assessed value based on whether a property is assessed under Part 5, Farmland
496     Assessment Act; or
497          (D) assessed value based on whether a property is assessed under Part 17, Urban
498     Farming Assessment Act.
499          (i) "Project area" means the same as that term is defined in Section 17C-1-102.
500          (j) "Project area new growth" means an amount equal to the incremental value that is
501     no longer provided to an agency as tax increment.
502          (2) Before June 1 of each year, the county assessor of each county shall deliver to the
503     county auditor and the commission the following statements:
504          (a) a statement containing the aggregate valuation of all taxable real property a county
505     assessor assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment, for each taxing entity; and
506          (b) a statement containing the taxable value of all personal property a county assessor
507     assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment, from the prior year end values.
508          (3) The county auditor shall, on or before June 8, transmit to the governing body of
509     each taxing entity:
510          (a) the statements described in Subsections (2)(a) and (b);
511          (b) an estimate of the revenue from personal property;
512          (c) the certified tax rate; and
513          (d) all forms necessary to submit a tax levy request.
514          (4) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the certified tax rate shall be
515     calculated by dividing the ad valorem property tax revenue that a taxing entity budgeted for the
516     prior year by the amount calculated under Subsection (4)(b).
517          (b) For purposes of Subsection (4)(a), the legislative body of a taxing entity shall
518     calculate an amount as follows:
519          (i) calculate for the taxing entity the difference between:
520          (A) the aggregate taxable value of all property taxed; and
521          (B) any adjustments for current year incremental value;
522          (ii) after making the calculation required by Subsection (4)(b)(i), calculate an amount
523     determined by increasing or decreasing the amount calculated under Subsection (4)(b)(i) by the

524     average of the percentage net change in the value of taxable property for the equalization
525     period for the three calendar years immediately preceding the current calendar year;
526          (iii) after making the calculation required by Subsection (4)(b)(ii), calculate the product
527     of:
528          (A) the amount calculated under Subsection (4)(b)(ii); and
529          (B) the percentage of property taxes collected for the five calendar years immediately
530     preceding the current calendar year; and
531          (iv) after making the calculation required by Subsection (4)(b)(iii), calculate an amount
532     determined by:
533          (A) multiplying the percentage of property taxes collected for the five calendar years
534     immediately preceding the current calendar year by eligible new growth; and
535          (B) subtracting the amount calculated under Subsection (4)(b)(iv)(A) from the amount
536     calculated under Subsection (4)(b)(iii).
537          (5) A certified tax rate for a taxing entity described in this Subsection (5) shall be
538     calculated as follows:
539          (a) except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), for a new taxing entity, the certified tax
540     rate is zero;
541          (b) for a municipality incorporated on or after July 1, 1996, the certified tax rate is:
542          (i) in a county of the first, second, or third class, the levy imposed for municipal-type
543     services under Sections 17-34-1 and 17-36-9; and
544          (ii) in a county of the fourth, fifth, or sixth class, the levy imposed for general county
545     purposes and such other levies imposed solely for the municipal-type services identified in
546     Section 17-34-1 and Subsection 17-36-3(22); and
547          (c) for debt service voted on by the public, the certified tax rate is the actual levy
548     imposed by that section, except that a certified tax rate for the following levies shall be
549     calculated in accordance with Section 59-2-913 and this section:
550          (i) a school levy provided for under Section 53F-8-301, 53F-8-302, or 53F-8-303; and
551          (ii) a levy to pay for the costs of state legislative mandates or judicial or administrative
552     orders under Section 59-2-1602.
553          (6) (a) A judgment levy imposed under Section 59-2-1328 or 59-2-1330 may be
554     imposed at a rate that is sufficient to generate only the revenue required to satisfy one or more

555     eligible judgments.
556          (b) The ad valorem property tax revenue generated by a judgment levy described in
557     Subsection (6)(a) may not be considered in establishing a taxing entity's aggregate certified tax
558     rate.
559          (7) (a) For the purpose of calculating the certified tax rate, the county auditor shall use:
560          (i) the taxable value of real property:
561          (A) the county assessor assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment; and
562          (B) contained on the assessment roll;
563          (ii) the year end taxable value of personal property:
564          (A) a county assessor assesses in accordance with Part 3, County Assessment; and
565          (B) contained on the prior year's assessment roll; and
566          (iii) the taxable value of real and personal property the commission assesses in
567     accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property.
568          (b) For purposes of Subsection (7)(a), taxable value does not include eligible new
569     growth.
570          (8) (a) On or before June 30, a taxing entity shall annually adopt a tentative budget.
571          (b) If a taxing entity intends to exceed the certified tax rate, the taxing entity shall
572     notify the county auditor of:
573          (i) the taxing entity's intent to exceed the certified tax rate; and
574          (ii) the amount by which the taxing entity proposes to exceed the certified tax rate.
575          (c) The county auditor shall notify property owners of any intent to levy a tax rate that
576     exceeds the certified tax rate plus inflation in accordance with Sections 59-2-919 and
577     59-2-919.1.
578          (9) (a) Subject to Subsection (9)(d), the commission shall provide notice, through
579     electronic means on or before July 31, to a taxing entity and the Revenue and Taxation Interim
580     Committee if:
581          (i) the amount calculated under Subsection (9)(b) is 10% or more of the year end
582     taxable value of the real and personal property the commission assesses in accordance with
583     Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the previous year, adjusted for prior year end incremental
584     value; and
585          (ii) the amount calculated under Subsection (9)(c) is 50% or more of the total year end

586     taxable value of the real and personal property of a taxpayer the commission assesses in
587     accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the previous year.
588          (b) For purposes of Subsection (9)(a)(i), the commission shall calculate an amount by
589     subtracting the taxable value of real and personal property the commission assesses in
590     accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the current year, adjusted for current year
591     incremental value, from the year end taxable value of the real and personal property the
592     commission assesses in accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the previous year,
593     adjusted for prior year end incremental value.
594          (c) For purposes of Subsection (9)(a)(ii), the commission shall calculate an amount by
595     subtracting the total taxable value of real and personal property of a taxpayer the commission
596     assesses in accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the current year, from the total
597     year end taxable value of the real and personal property of a taxpayer the commission assesses
598     in accordance with Part 2, Assessment of Property, for the previous year.
599          (d) The notification under Subsection (9)(a) shall include a list of taxpayers that meet
600     the requirement under Subsection (9)(a)(ii).
601          Section 8. Effective date.
602          This bill takes effect on January 1, 2020.