There’s movement on a bill to change the oil tax distribution formula.
Right now, the state receives 75 percent of the oil production tax, and local governments receive 25 percent. Governor Dalrymple and some western legislators had proposed a 60-40 split – with the 60 percent to go back to local governments. The House changed that proposal, so 70 percent would come to the state – and 30 percent to local governments.
"We've agreed with the House, that 30-70 -- 30 to the political subdivisions and 70 to the state -- was fair now, as we look at the revenue forecast," said Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R-Dickinson).
Wardner says disagreements remain over how the 30 percent is to be split.
"The House made some changes in the percentages of how the tax dollars were distributed," said Wardner. "And we're asking that the distribution should be left the way it is now."
"We're going to move the furniture around a little bit," said Wardner.
Wardner says the plan is to get the bill to the floor as quickly as possible, and then get it into conference committee.
