Constitutional amendment proposals pass House panel
Two proposals regarding ad valorem exemptions and the use of public funds for religious or sectarian purposes passed the House Rules Committee on Wednesday. In a vote of 7 to 5, members approved HJR 1087, by Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow state reimbursement for ad valorem exemptions only for unimproved land. Payments from the Ad Valorem Reimbursement Fund for improvements made to the property would not be made; instead the property taxes would be due when the five-year exemption expires, Dank explained. Members also voted 11 to 1 for HJR 1081, by Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, which proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the prohibition on the use of public money for sectarian or religious purposes. Nelson said the measure may not be needed, but it could be if a court decides that the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program is unconstitutional. For the full report go to www.ecapitol.net